The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, reaffirms the agency’s resolve to dismantle drug networks across Nigeria, vowing that every drug baron will face justice, all traffickers will be intercepted, and illicit drugs will be removed from the streets.
Mediaplusng.com reports that Marwa makes this declaration in Abuja during an award and commendation ceremony organised to honour outstanding NDLEA personnel for their dedication, courage, and professionalism in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Speaking at the NDLEA headquarters, the Chairman says the agency remains unwavering in its mandate to protect public health, national security, and the future of Nigerian youths. He stresses that the war against drugs is both a moral and strategic duty, as narcotics continue to fuel crime, insecurity, and social instability.
Marwa discloses that within the last five years, the NDLEA records the arrest of 77,792 drug offenders nationwide, including 128 identified drug barons involved in large-scale trafficking and distribution networks. Mediaplusng.com gathers that these arrests span across airports, seaports, land borders, highways, communities, and major cities.
According to him, the figures reflect the intensity and consistency of NDLEA operations, driven by intelligence-led strategies, improved inter-agency collaboration, and the deployment of modern technology in drug interdiction efforts.
The NDLEA Chairman explains that beyond arrests, the agency has significantly disrupted supply chains by seizing large quantities of illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin, cannabis, methamphetamine, and pharmaceutical opioids. He notes that each seizure represents lives saved and communities protected from the devastating impact of drugs.
Marwa commends NDLEA officers for their resilience, often working under dangerous conditions to confront well-organised and violent criminal networks. He says many officers have made personal sacrifices to ensure the success of the agency’s mission.
He adds that the current leadership of NDLEA prioritises staff welfare, training, and motivation, noting that a well-supported workforce is essential for sustaining operational success. The award ceremony, he explains, is part of efforts to recognise excellence and inspire higher performance.
The NDLEA boss reiterates that the agency’s approach goes beyond enforcement to include drug demand reduction, rehabilitation, and public awareness. He states that prevention, treatment, and enforcement must work together to achieve lasting results.
He calls on communities, parents, religious leaders, and civil society groups to support the agency by providing credible information and promoting drug-free lifestyles, especially among young people.
Marwa assures Nigerians that NDLEA will not relent in its operations, stressing that no individual, regardless of status or influence, is above the law. He says the agency remains determined to dismantle drug cartels and block Nigeria from being used as a hub for illicit drug trafficking.
The ceremony ends with the presentation of awards to deserving officers, as the NDLEA leadership renews its commitment to building a safer, healthier, and drug-free Nigeria.
