NDLEA Reports Significant Drug Seizures and Arrests Over Five Years
In a significant update on Nigeria’s ongoing battle against narcotics, Buba Marwah, Director-General of the National Narcotics Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), announced that the agency has apprehended 77,859 suspects and confiscated over 14.8 million kilograms of illegal drugs in the past five years. This announcement was made during a recent event in Dutse, where the Jigawa State Governor, Umaru Namadi, signed an executive order aimed at combating drug abuse and promoting social reorientation.
Addressing the Silent Pandemic
During the signing ceremony, Marwah emphasized that drug abuse is not merely a law enforcement issue but a pressing public health crisis that undermines national stability. He referred to the issue as a “silent pandemic,” stating that it contributes significantly to insecurity and economic destabilization. “Drug abuse erodes the productivity of our greatest asset: our youth,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach to combatting this growing problem.
Shift to Aggressive Tactics Yields Results
Marwah outlined the agency’s strategic shift from reactive operations to a more aggressive stance, yielding remarkable results from 2021 to 2025. “Our balanced approach has achieved unprecedented results, resulting in 77,859 arrests, including 240 high-profile drug lords previously considered untouchable,” he revealed. The NDLEA has also secured convictions for 14,122 individuals during this period, signaling a decisive end to the era of impunity.
Community Support and Rehabilitation Efforts
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA has made strides in community support and rehabilitation, counseling over 50,000 individuals across 31 treatment centers nationwide. Marwah noted that these efforts aim to guide individuals from the shadows of addiction to productive roles in society, contributing to the overall well-being of the nation.
Jigawa’s Proactive Governance Model
In his address, Marwah commended the Jigawa State government for its proactive measures against drug-related issues, asserting that under Governor Namadi’s leadership, the state embodies a model for effective governance. “Jigawa is proving that proactive governance is the best antidote to social unrest,” he stated, advocating for other states to adopt similar frameworks to combat drug abuse.
Leadership in the New Task Force
Marwah expressed confidence in the leadership of the newly established task force, praising the appointment of CN Ibrahim Blaji (retired) as coordinator. “He brings a veteran’s perspective combined with the precision of a strategist,” he remarked, urging the new leadership to implement innovative strategies in the fight against drug abuse.
War on Drug Abuse Initiative Expands Reach
Highlighting the broader impact of the NDLEA’s initiatives, Marwah mentioned that the agency’s War on Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign has reached over five million Nigerians with prevention messages, aiming to not only reduce drug prevalence but also enhance community awareness. He noted that while Jigawa’s drug prevalence is currently at 7%, it is crucial to remain vigilant and prevent any increase.
