The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has commended officers and men of the agency for sustaining the momentum in Nigeria’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, leading to significant operational successes under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, during a ceremony at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, Marwa disclosed that in the past 30 months, the agency recorded 45,853 arrests, seizures of over 8.5 million kilograms of illicit drugs, and 9,263 convictions of offenders. He added that 26,613 drug users were counselled and rehabilitated in NDLEA facilities nationwide, while 9,848 sensitisation activities were carried out under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
At the event, Marwa presented commendation letters and awards to 220 personnel for outstanding performance and decorated 15 senior officers who were recently promoted to new ranks. He said the reward system was designed to keep the workforce motivated, strengthen morale, and sustain operational excellence.
“Today, we specifically recognise those who have gone above and beyond. Despite facing immense danger and relentless temptation, they chose integrity, selflessness, and commitment to our mandate,” Marwa said.
He noted that while the achievements were commendable, the battle against drug trafficking remained “monumental,” described it as an existential threat to Nigeria’s social fabric, economic stability, and national security.
“For every kilogram of cocaine intercepted, every clandestine laboratory dismantled, and every major drug kingpin apprehended, a critical blow is delivered to criminal networks. These victories are the direct result of your dedication,” he stated.
Marwa reaffirmed his faith in the reward system the CCEO Commands Awards and Commendations which he said had improved the ethos and discipline of the NDLEA workforce over the past four and a half years. He urged officers to continue operating within the agency’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) while intensifying efforts to dismantle drug cartels across the country.
The NDLEA boss also appreciated local and international partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the UK Border Force, the French and German governments, as well as Nigeria’s National Assembly and the Ministry of Justice, for their continued support.
Marwa expressed special gratitude to President Tinubu for his “unwavering support,” which he said had strengthened NDLEA’s operational capacity and boosted its morale in the ongoing war against drug abuse.
“We are where we are today because of the unwavering support we have received from these institutions, and we are optimistic that this support will continue, enabling us to fulfil our mandate of making Nigeria a drug-free country,” he concluded.
