The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced that, between January and October, it arrested more than 16,304 drug suspects and seized 4.5 million kilograms of illicit substances. The figures were presented by NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, at the 7th Security and Emergency Management Awards and Lecture in Abuja.
Marwa explained that the agency’s strategy to combat drug abuse is two‑pronged, targeting both supply reduction and demand reduction. Supply reduction focuses on shutting down drug pipelines through intelligence‑led operations, interdictions and international collaborations. To date, the NDLEA has intercepted tons of narcotics, dismantled cartels and prosecuted offenders, resulting in over 3,000 convictions and hundreds of ongoing court cases. In addition, the agency has destroyed 612.2864 hectares of cannabis farms.
On the demand side, the NDLEA launched the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign to raise public awareness of the dangers of drug use. Through WADA, the agency has carried out more than 3,765 awareness activities—including lectures, sensitisation visits and other engagements—reaching schools, markets, places of worship, traditional institutions and communities. The agency also operates 30 rehabilitation centres nationwide, providing medical treatment, counselling and reintegration support for people struggling with addiction.
Marwa stressed the need to balance enforcement with treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration, noting that “where there is no demand, there will be no supply.” He argued that treating dependent individuals is essential to shrinking the market for illicit drugs.
The NDLEA’s efforts have been recognised, and the agency was selected to host the 2025 Security and Emergency Management Awards and Lecture. Organisers—including Image Merchants Promotion Limited, the Centre for Crisis Communication, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre and the International Emergency Management Society—were praised for honouring institutions and individuals dedicated to safeguarding Nigeria.
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