The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has recorded the arrest of 77,792 suspected drug offenders and the seizure of about 14,847 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs nationwide over the past five years.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the NDLEA Commands, Awards and Commendations Ceremony, organised to recognise outstanding commands and personnel for their performance.
Marwa said the operations had significantly weakened both local and international drug trafficking networks, stressing that Nigeria is no longer a safe operating environment for drug syndicates.
“In the last five years, we have recorded major operational milestones, including the arrest of 77,792 drug offenders, among them 128 identified drug barons who played central roles in large trafficking networks,” he said.
He revealed that the agency also intercepted 14,847,000 kilograms of illicit drugs, noting that the seizures disrupted supply chains and reduced the flow of illegal substances across the country.
According to him, NDLEA secured 14,225 convictions within the period, reinforcing deterrence and demonstrating the consequences of drug-related crimes.
“Through diligent prosecution, we successfully obtained convictions against 14,225 offenders, sending a strong message that drug crime will not go unpunished,” Marwa stated.
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA boss said the agency intensified efforts to reduce drug demand, adding that 32,442 drug users benefited from counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation services across the country.
He also disclosed that the agency carried out 13,735 sensitisation programmes under its War Against Drug Abuse campaign in schools, markets, motor parks, workplaces, religious centres, and communities.
Marwa attributed the achievements to improved intelligence-led operations, stronger inter-agency collaboration, enhanced training, and improved welfare for NDLEA personnel.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the extension of his tenure for another five years, describing it as a renewed call to duty.
“The next phase of our operations demands greater resolve and tactical sophistication. There will be no hiding place for drug barons, traffickers, or couriers,” he said.
Marwa assured Nigerians that the agency would sustain pressure on criminal networks, emphasising that NDLEA’s core objective remains the protection of public health and national security.
“We will not relent until every trafficking network is dismantled and our communities are safer and free from the grip of illicit drugs,” he added.
Marwa was first appointed NDLEA Chairman in 2021, during which the agency adopted intelligence-driven strategies and strengthened both domestic and international partnerships. His appointment was renewed in 2025 for another five-year term.
