Drug War: NDLEA Arrests 45,853, Seizes 8.5m Kilograms of Drugs, Secures 9,263 Convictions in 30 Months, Rewards 220 Personnel for Diligent Service Under President Bola Tinubu

By Raheem Ibrahim

No fewer than 220 operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have been commended for sustaining the momentum in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country in the past two and a half years of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The commendation was given by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, during a ceremony where he presented commendation letters and awards to personnel for outstanding performance in the discharge of their duties. Fifteen senior officers were also decorated with their new ranks.

Speaking at the event, Marwa said:

“Today, we specifically recognize those who have gone above and beyond. We celebrate those who, despite facing immense danger and relentless temptation, chose the path of integrity, selflessness, and uncompromising adherence to our mandate.”

He noted that the commitment of NDLEA operatives to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda had yielded tremendous results over the past 30 months in both drug demand reduction and supply reduction efforts.

“This has led to 45,853 arrests, the seizure of over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, and the conviction of 9,263 offenders. We have also counselled and rehabilitated 26,613 drug users in our treatment facilities across the country, while a total of 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities were conducted in schools, workplaces, markets, motor parks, worship centres, and communities within the same period,” Marwa stated.

He explained that the commendation and awards ceremony, which he has upheld over the past four and a half years, was instituted to appreciate and encourage officers, men, and women who have distinguished themselves in service.

Marwa, however, warned that the challenge posed by the drug scourge remains enormous, requiring continuous and determined efforts.

“Without mincing words, the challenge we face is monumental. Drug abuse, trafficking, and the associated criminal enterprises represent a direct and existential threat to Nigeria’s social fabric, economic stability, and national security. They fuel crime, corrupt our youth, and provide resources for terrorism and insurgency.

“But for every kilogram of cocaine intercepted, for every clandestine laboratory dismantled, and for every major drug kingpin apprehended, a critical blow is delivered to these criminal networks. These victories are, no doubt, the direct result of your dedication,” he emphasized.

According to him, the reward system was designed to sustain momentum and keep the workforce in optimal condition — both materially and mentally — while ensuring high morale.

“This is why we uphold our tradition of rewarding key virtues such as hard work, loyalty, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, honesty, courage, and obedience. In addition to traditional incentives like promotions and training, we introduced this reward system — the CCEO’s Commendation and Awards — as one of the primary ways management expresses appreciation for the efforts of the NDLEA workforce.

“Our faith in the reward system has been proven right. Over the past four and a half years, we have witnessed an improvement in both the individual and collective ethos of our workforce. Yet, each gathering to celebrate our best should also remind all officers that there is still much work ahead.

“For decades, we lagged behind due to limited capacity and resources. Now that we are gaining momentum with increased capability, we must roll back the influence of drug cartels and dismantle their structures using the full force of the law. In doing so, it is essential to operate strictly within the parameters of our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure protection and professionalism,” he charged.

In a statement by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Marwa expressed appreciation to local and international partners for their continued support of the agency’s efforts.

“I cannot proceed without thanking our media partners for their collaboration and partnership. We are also deeply grateful to UNODC, INL, the UK Border Force, the French Government, and the Government of Germany for their invaluable contributions.

“At home, we appreciate the Senate Committee on Narcotic Drugs and the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics for their immense support, which has been crucial to the growth of the NDLEA as an institution.

“Similarly, we extend our gratitude to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, as well as the Judiciary. Most importantly, we thank the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We are where we are today because of the unwavering support of these institutions, and we are optimistic that this support will continue to enable us to achieve our mandate of making Nigeria a drug-free nation.

“Finally, we thank Nigerians for embracing the reforms we’ve implemented and for remaining some of our strongest partners,” Marwa remarked.