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Nigeria’s Federal Government has intensified its efforts to combat the illicit drug trade, recognizing the profound impact it has on national security and the wellbeing of its citizens. According to National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the use of illicit substances, particularly among young people, is closely linked to rising insecurity and criminality. Many terrorists, he noted, are serial abusers of narcotics, which fuels instability and undermines national stability.

The government has pledged its support for an ongoing inter-agency operation aimed at targeting illegal and counterfeit pharmaceuticals. This initiative, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), seeks to rid the country of dangerous substances that harm society.

Speaking during a recent inter-agency meeting in Abuja, Ribadu emphasized that the operation goes beyond law enforcement, describing it as a long-term public health intervention with significant implications for national security. He commended the discipline and collaboration shown by participating agencies, stating that their success highlights the potential of Nigerian institutions when working together.

Ribadu also issued a stern warning to dealers in illicit substances, assuring them that it will no longer be business as usual. He urged agency staff to maintain their momentum, saying, “Keep putting in your best to ensure we succeed in this critical fight.” The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that 207 containers of illicit and counterfeit drugs have been intercepted and destroyed so far through this joint effort.

Adeyeye attributed the success of the operation to the direct involvement of the National Security Adviser, which she said sped up responses and bridged enforcement gaps across agencies. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, described the scale of the operation as unprecedented, demonstrating the impact of coordinated institutional action. NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, praised the NSA’s leadership and budgetary support, which enabled major seizures and disrupted criminal drug networks.

During the Abuja meeting, the NDLEA presented a certificate of destruction to Ribadu, recognizing his role in coordinating the initiative. In return, the NSA gave plaques to agency heads, stressing that illicit drugs are a critical factor fueling criminality and instability across the country. The destruction of over 200 containers marks a significant turning point in the federal government’s broader strategy to clean up Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain, with additional operations planned and to be intensified in the months ahead.