Nigeria will no longer tolerate drug trafficking, Marwa warns as ndlea records 14,225 convictions
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested 77,792 drug offenders and seized more than 14.8 million kilograms of illicit drugs across Nigeria in the past five years, according to the agency’s chairman, retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa.
Marwa disclosed the figures on Tuesday during an award and commendation ceremony held at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, describing the achievements as a major blow to both local and international drug trafficking networks.
He said the scale of the seizures and arrests sent a strong signal that Nigeria would no longer tolerate illicit drug operations, adding that the agency had intensified its crackdown on high-profile traffickers.
According to him, 128 of those arrested within the period were identified drug barons who played central roles in major trafficking networks operating within and beyond Nigeria.
Marwa noted that the agency also secured 14,225 convictions over the last five years, stressing that the successful prosecutions reinforced deterrence and demonstrated that drug-related crimes carry serious consequences.
“It is therefore heartwarming to note that in the last five years, we recorded significant operational successes, including the arrest of 77,792 drug offenders, including 128 identified drug barons who were central to major trafficking networks,” he said.
“We seized a total of 14,847,000 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, thereby significantly disrupting both local and transnational supply chains.
“In further strengthening the criminal justice response to drug offences, the agency successfully prosecuted and secured convictions against 14,225 offenders, reinforcing deterrence and affirming that drug crime attracts consequences.”
Beyond enforcement, Marwa said the NDLEA also prioritised demand reduction, revealing that 32,442 individuals benefited from the agency’s counselling, treatment and rehabilitation programmes nationwide.
He added that the NDLEA carried out 13,735 sensitisation activities under its War Against Drug Abuse campaign, targeting schools, markets, motor parks, workplaces, religious centres and communities to raise awareness and prevent substance abuse.
Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining the fight against drug trafficking, vowing to continue intercepting traffickers, bringing drug barons to justice and clearing Nigerian streets of illicit drugs.