NDLEA Chief Highlights Achievements in Fight Against Drug Dealers as House of Reps Pledges Support

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against drug trafficking, with the arrest of 14,480 suspected drug offenders and the seizure of over 2.4 million kilograms of illicit drugs within a ten-month period.

This was revealed by the Agency’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), during a briefing with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs at the NDLEA’s national headquarters in Abuja.

Highlighting the Agency’s achievements from January to October 2024, Marwa stated, “With the record of work done in the past 10 months, we can say with certainty that we are on course to surpass the performance of the previous three years.”

The NDLEA Chief disclosed that the arrests included 15 major drug barons, with 2,867 convictions secured during the same period.

In addition, the Agency successfully destroyed 547,378 kilograms of cannabis plantations across the country.

Marwa also noted that the seizures far exceeded last year’s records, underscoring the Agency’s growing capacity to combat drug-related crimes.

“Our seizures in 10 months amounted to 2.4 million kilograms of illicit drugs, which also surpassed last year’s record,” he remarked.

The NDLEA’s efforts extended beyond enforcement, with 6,655 drug users counselled and rehabilitated.

The Agency also conducted 3,064 awareness campaigns and sensitisation programmes, reaching over 1.3 million people in schools, motor parks, worship centres, workplaces, and communities nationwide.

Marwa outlined some of the NDLEA’s key accomplishments for the year, including:

The largest single heroin seizure in the Agency’s history (51.90 kilograms) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in February.

Life imprisonment sentences for notorious drug traffickers.

The arrest of high-profile drug barons in Lagos.

The passage of the NDLEA Act amendment bill.

“These milestones demonstrate our commitment to making Nigeria safe from the scourge of illicit drugs,” Marwa stated.

Marwa commended the lawmakers for their ongoing support and urged them to sustain their efforts in ensuring the Agency receives the resources needed to function at full capacity.

“We have come a long way, from an agency that was grossly emasculated to a government organ that is now up and doing. However, we need adequate resources to reach our full potential,” he appealed.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, Hon. Abass Adigun, lauded the NDLEA’s leadership and personnel for their dedication despite the challenging circumstances.

He assured the Agency of the Committee’s unwavering support.

“As we conduct our oversight responsibilities, I assure you of our commitment to advocating for improved funding, modern tools, and a conducive working environment for all NDLEA staff,” Adigun stated.

The NDLEA’s progress under Marwa’s leadership has set a new benchmark in the fight against drug trafficking, with the Agency poised to achieve even greater successes in the years ahead.