Tinubu Declares War on Drugs as NDLEA Records Over 66,000 Arrest, 12,000 Convictions in 53 Months
…Commends NDLEA’s global achievements under Marwa’s leadership at World Drug Day event
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on all Nigerians to unite in a national movement against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, stating that the battle must transcend government efforts to involve families, faith institutions, civil society, youth organisations, and community leaders.
The President made this declaration on Thursday, 26th June 2025, during the grand finale of activities commemorating the 2025 World Drug Day, held at the Presidential Villa Conference Centre, Abuja.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, President Tinubu urged a comprehensive national approach rooted in peace, development, and human rights.
“This fight is not one for governments alone. It must be a national movement – driven by families, faith leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups, community leaders, businesses, and, crucially, people with lived experience,” he stated.
The President emphasised that drug abuse is intricately linked with poverty, inequality, conflict, and violence, requiring integrated and inclusive strategies.
He affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global efforts against the scourge and praised the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), under Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), for its internationally recognised achievements.
“The NDLEA’s efforts in both supply reduction and demand control have attracted global commendation and collaboration,” President Tinubu said, highlighting the agency’s aggressive sensitisation campaigns, treatment and rehabilitation initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
In his address, NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig Gen Marwa revealed staggering statistics reflecting the agency’s unrelenting crackdown on drug-related offences over the past 53 months.
66,085 arrests including 94 identified drug barons
11.1 million kilogrammes of drugs seized
12,201 convictions secured in court
26,393 individuals rehabilitated at NDLEA centres
“These figures represent a deliberate and determined effort to both remove traffickers from our streets and offer healing to victims of addiction,” Marwa said.
He noted that 30 rehabilitation centres are currently operational, with seven more approved under the 2025 budget. Furthermore, the NDLEA has conducted over 11,123 sensitisation programmes nationwide under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy.
“Our outreach spans schools, places of worship, markets, offices, and motor parks. Millions more have benefitted through our media engagements and 24/7 toll-free helpline,” he added.
Marwa stressed the urgent need for prevention, particularly as Nigeria faces one of the world’s highest rates of drug abuse. “Drug abuse is no longer distant—it is in our homes and schools. Parents and teachers must become frontline defenders,” he warned.
He further praised President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for tackling critical risk factors like poverty and unemployment through initiatives such as NELFUND student loans and the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, described drug abuse as a threat to national security and economic development. “This is not just a public health crisis – it is a danger to the rule of law and the future of our young people,” he said.
He revealed the federal government has put in place robust control frameworks, including integrated strategies across education, healthcare, and justice sectors to curb drug cultivation, trafficking, and abuse.
Representing the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, asserted that “this is not a war of convenience – it is a war of necessity,” warning that each life lost to addiction is a call to action.
UNODC’s Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, also emphasised that prevention, treatment, and recovery must be seen as essential investments. “Together we can break the vicious cycle of drug abuse, organised crime, and marginalisation,” he affirmed.
Marwa extended appreciation to NDLEA’s partners both locally and globally – including the UNODC, INL, DEA, UK Border Force, NCA, and the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and France – for their unwavering support.
As Nigeria marked World Drug Day 2025, the message from the Presidency, law enforcement, and international partners was clear: the war against drugs must be waged in every home, school, and street – and the nation must stand united in this battle for its future.
