The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in its fight against drug trafficking and abuse over the past three years, arresting 52,901 traffickers, including 48 barons, and securing over 9,000 convictions. This was revealed by NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) during the 2024 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking event held in Abuja on June 26.
Under Marwa's leadership, the agency has seized more than 7.6 million kilograms of illicit substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and cannabis. Emphasizing the importance of prevention, Marwa stated that the NDLEA's strategy focuses on reducing both demand and supply of drugs, with significant investments in preventive programs supported by the Federal Government and stakeholders.
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In addition to enforcement, the NDLEA has targeted cannabis cultivation by destroying 1,057 hectares of farms and is planning an alternative development program to encourage farmers to grow cash crops instead. Marwa highlighted the 2018 national drug use survey, which showed that 10.6 million Nigerians aged 15-64 abused cannabis, underscoring the need for continued prevention and intervention efforts.
The agency's comprehensive approach includes the establishment of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, an inter-ministerial committee aimed at strengthening drug control coordination. NDLEA’s efforts have gained recognition from international partners like the European Union, UNODC, and the US-DEA. Additionally, over 33,453 individuals have been counseled, treated, and rehabilitated in NDLEA's rehabilitation centers nationwide.
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