NDLEA Intensifies Fight Against Drug Trafficking and Abuse
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has pledged to escalate its efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse. The agency committed to dismantling drug syndicates by targeting not only traffickers but also the financial networks that support their operations.
Joint Press Conference Marks World Drug Day Preparations
This declaration was made during a press conference held in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at NDLEA’s headquarters in Abuja, coinciding with preparations for the upcoming World Drug Day 2026.
Addressing Emerging Challenges in the Global Drug Landscape
In light of this year’s theme, “The Global Drug Problem: Deep Problems, Emerging Challenges, and Innovative Responses,” NDLEA Chairman and CEO Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd) emphasized the need for innovative and technology-driven responses to the rapidly evolving global pharmaceutical landscape.
Strengthening Preventive Measures Through Modernization
Marwa, speaking on behalf of the agency’s director-general, Shadrach Haruna, highlighted the dynamic nature of the global drug landscape. He noted that while traditional threats persist, new synthetic drugs and complex trafficking networks necessitate proactive, tech-driven approaches.
The agency is reinforcing its preventive measures through its flagship War on Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, which has been updated to address these emerging threats. “At NDLEA, we believe that outdated strategies cannot effectively address contemporary challenges,” Marwa stated. With continued backing from the federal government and various stakeholders, the agency aims to modernize its operations while balancing enforcement with social advocacy.
Commemorative Activities for World Drug Day
Marwa announced a week-long series of activities to commemorate World Drug Day 2026, scheduled from June 19 to June 26. The program includes a press conference, special Jumaat prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja, and anti-drug campaigns in collaboration with Bayes University, Nile University, and the MTN Foundation. Other events comprise a national essay contest for students, NGO Day, and awareness campaigns aimed at out-of-school youth across the Federal Capital Territory. The week will conclude with a grand finale at the State House Conference Center in Abuja.
Confronting Both Traditional and Emerging Threats
Emphasizing the agency’s operational effectiveness in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, Marwa stated, “Our WADA program, initiated five years ago, has evolved into a comprehensive ‘whole-of-society approach’ that fosters public engagement in the fight against drug abuse.” The NDLEA’s enforcement strategy remains unwavering, focusing on the relentless disbandment of drug cartels and the prosecution of key figures in the drug trade.
“Our offensive action against drug cartels, launched in January 2021, continues with determined momentum. We are dismantling intricate syndicates and successfully apprehending their leaders,” Marwa elaborated. “Beyond arrests, we are targeting the financial underpinning of these operations. Through civil litigation, assets that are suspected to be linked to drug-related crimes are being seized for the benefit of the federal government, effectively crippling these criminal enterprises.”
UNODC Highlights the Need for Collective Action
During the press event, UNODC Country Representative Sheikh Ousmane Touré, represented by Deputy Representative Danielo Campisi, underscored the necessity for a unified effort among all stakeholders to address the evolving global drug crisis. “Nigeria stands at a critical juncture where long-standing obstacles must be confronted while adapting to new realities,” Campisi noted.
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, he stated, “No single agency can tackle these challenges alone. Progress requires robust partnerships and shared responsibility. While the problems may persist, they are not insurmountable. Our response must be informed, proactive, and united.” He reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counter-drug initiatives through evidence-based and community-centered approaches.
