Marwa Commends NDLEA Personnel as 45,853 Arrests, 8.5m Kilograms of Drugs Seized, and 9,263 Convictions Recorded in 30 Months
…Agency Rewards 220 Officers, Lauds Tinubu’s Support for Drug War
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has lauded officers and men of the agency for intensifying the fight against drug trafficking and abuse across Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Marwa gave the commendation on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, during a special ceremony held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, where he presented commendation letters and awards to 220 outstanding personnel and decorated 15 senior officers with new ranks.
He praised the officers for their “integrity, selflessness, and uncompromising adherence” to the agency’s mandate, noting that their efforts had translated into significant results over the past 30 months.
“Your commitment to the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration has yielded tremendous results,” Marwa said. “In this period, we have recorded 45,853 arrests, seized over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, and secured 9,263 convictions.
“Additionally, 26,613 drug users have been counselled and rehabilitated, while we have conducted 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities across schools, workplaces, markets, motor parks, worship centres, and communities nationwide.”
The NDLEA boss emphasised that while progress had been made, the challenge of drug abuse and trafficking remained a major national concern, posing threats to Nigeria’s social fabric, economic stability, and national security.
“Without mincing words, the challenge we face is monumental,” he declared. “Drug abuse, trafficking, and the associated criminal enterprises represent a direct and existential threat to our society. They fuel crime, corrupt our youth, and provide resources for terrorism and insurgency. But every kilogram of cocaine intercepted, every clandestine lab dismantled, and every drug kingpin arrested delivers a critical blow to these criminal networks.”
Marwa highlighted the importance of the agency’s internal reward system, which he said was established to sustain the morale and operational efficiency of the NDLEA workforce.
“This tradition of rewarding hard work, loyalty, sacrifice, integrity, and courage has proved effective in improving our workforce’s collective ethos,” he noted. “We must, however, continue to work within our standard operating procedures to ensure professionalism and protection during operations.”
Expressing gratitude to both local and international partners, Marwa acknowledged the invaluable support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the UK Border Force, as well as the governments of France and Germany.
He also extended appreciation to the Nigerian Senate and House Committees on Narcotic Drugs, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Judiciary for their consistent backing of NDLEA’s initiatives.
Marwa reserved special thanks for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his administration’s support as pivotal to the agency’s successes.
“We are where we are today because of the unwavering support of President Tinubu and other key institutions,” he said. “We remain optimistic that this collaboration will continue, enabling us to achieve our mission of a drug-free Nigeria.”
He concluded by acknowledging the Nigerian public for embracing NDLEA’s reforms and serving as strong partners in the national fight against drug abuse.
The ceremony, which has become a tradition under Marwa’s leadership, served as both recognition and motivation for officers who have distinguished themselves in the line of duty, reinforcing the NDLEA’s determination to sustain the momentum of Nigeria’s war against illicit drugs.
