President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to strengthen the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) due to its pivotal role in Nigeria’s national security, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has said.
Speaking at the commissioning of 48 new operational vehicles at NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, Ribadu praised the Chairman/CEO, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), for transforming the agency into a disciplined, results-driven force against illicit drugs — a menace he described as one of the most destabilising threats to Nigeria’s security, social stability, and public health.
“This is not just about commissioning vehicles,” Ribadu said. “Without mobility to reach danger points, intercept traffickers and move resources, our fight is severely constrained. The link between drug trafficking and insecurity is systemic. Criminal gangs and insurgents fund their activities with drug profits, while countless young Nigerians suffer from addiction.
He said President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognises drug control as a national security pillar, enabling milestones like the current vehicle deployment. The new fleet will enhance NDLEA’s operational reach nationwide and strengthen deterrence.
Marwa, in his address, described the event as a reflection of Tinubu’s unwavering support, noting that NDLEA has, in two years, arrested 40,887 offenders (including 45 barons), seized over 5.5 million kilograms of illicit substances, destroyed 704.445 hectares of cannabis farms, and secured 8,682 convictions. He added that 24,173 drug users have been treated and rehabilitated, while nearly 8,700 War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation activities have been conducted nationwide.
“The link between drugs and insecurity is undeniable — from kidnapping to cult violence,” Marwa said. “No serious approach to national security can ignore drug control.”
Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, commended Tinubu for enabling NDLEA’s success, adding:
“There is a very close nexus between drug trafficking and all the crimes we have. NDLEA’s morale and results under Marwa deserve to be showcased.”
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, and BPP DG, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, also hailed NDLEA’s professionalism and due process in procurement.
The 48 vehicles — 38 SUVs for Zonal, Strategic and State Commands, and 10 sedans for directorates — were distributed after the decoration of 15 newly promoted senior officers with the rank of Assistant Commander General of Narcotics.
