Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called for united action by parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to curb the growing menace of drug abuse, cultism, and banditry among Nigerian youths.
Marwa made the call on Saturday, 9 August 2025, while delivering a keynote address at a seminar organised by the Ijebu Ode Council of Olorituns in Ogun State, themed “Dangers of Drug Abuse, Cultism and Banditry Among Youths.”
He described the three social vices as interlinked, warning that they feed one another in a cycle of destruction. He noted that cultism, once confined to tertiary institutions, had spread to secondary schools and neighbourhoods, often luring young people into violence under false promises of brotherhood and power.
Citing United Nations projections that drug use in Africa will rise by 40%, Marwa stressed that Nigeria already ranks among the highest in prevalence. He said reversing the trend would require strengthening family values, making schools safe spaces, and creating youth development opportunities through education, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, and sports.
Highlighting NDLEA’s achievements in the last 54 months, Marwa said the agency arrested 67,345 drug offenders, including 95 high-profile barons, seized over 11.2 million kilograms of illicit drugs, and destroyed 1,572 hectares of cannabis farms. In addition, more than 27,000 drug users have been treated and rehabilitated, while thousands have benefited from psychosocial support services.
He urged communities to partner with the NDLEA by reporting suspicious activities, supporting advocacy drives, and enhancing local security architecture. “We must rekindle the moral and spiritual fabric of our society… The path to greatness is not paved with shortcuts of violence and drugs, but with hard work, vision, and purpose,” he said.
Chairman of the Council, Chief Adebisi Adeola Alausa, commended Marwa for his commitment, while Chairman of the occasion, Senator Lekan Mustapha, hailed him as a visionary leader.
Marwa also paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, during his visit to Ijebu Ode.
