The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of over 16,304 drug suspects and the seizure of 4.5 million kilograms of illicit substances between January and October. This was disclosed by the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, at the 7th Security and Emergency Management Awards and Lecture in Abuja.

According to Marwa, the agency’s strategy to curb illicit drug problems is two-pronged, focusing on supply reduction and demand reduction. The supply reduction aspect involves closing down the supply pipelines of illicit drugs through intelligence-led operations, interdictions, and international collaborations. The agency has intercepted tons of narcotics, dismantled cartels, and prosecuted offenders, with over 3,000 drug offenders convicted and hundreds of cases ongoing in court.

In addition to the arrests and convictions, the NDLEA has seized 4.5 million kilograms of illicit substances and destroyed 612.2864 hectares of cannabis farms. The agency has also launched a social advocacy campaign, the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and persuade people not to experiment with illicit substances.

Through WADA, the agency has conducted over 3,765 public awareness activities, including public lectures, sensitization visits, and other engagements, reaching schools, markets, places of worship, traditional institutions, and communities. The agency also runs 30 rehabilitation centers across the country, offering medical treatment, counseling, and reintegration support for those struggling with addiction.

Marwa emphasized the importance of balancing the agency’s offensive efforts with treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of drug users. He noted that the law of demand and supply dictates that where there is no demand, there will be no supply, and therefore, treating those who have become dependent on substances is crucial to reducing the market for illicit drugs.

The NDLEA’s efforts have been recognized, and the agency was chosen to host the 2025 Security and Emergency Management Awards and Lecture. The event organizers, including the Image Merchants Promotion Limited, the Centre for Crisis Communication, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, and the International Emergency Management Society, were commended for their honor and recognition of institutions and individuals working to safeguard Nigeria.