The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has commended officers and men of the agency for significantly raising the momentum of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking during the past 30 months of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Marwa gave the commendation on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, while presenting commendation letters and awards to 220 personnel for outstanding performance, and decorating 15 senior officers with new ranks.
In his remarks, he said: “Today, we specifically recognize those who have gone above and beyond. We celebrate those who, despite facing immense danger and relentless temptation, chose the path of integrity, selflessness, and uncompromising adherence to our mandate.
“Your commitment to the renewed hope agenda of the administration of President Tinubu has yielded tremendous results in the past 30 months on our two major planks of drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction, leading to 45,853 arrests; seizure of over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs; and conviction of 9,263 offenders; with 26,613 drug users counselled and rehabilitated in our treatment facilities across the country, while a total of 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities were conducted in schools, work places, markets, motor parks, worship centres and communities among others within the same period.”
Despite the successes, Marwa warned that the drug scourge remains a major national challenge: “Without mincing words, the challenge we face is monumental. Drug abuse, trafficking, and the associated criminal enterprises represent a direct and existential threat to the social fabric, economic stability, and national security of Nigeria. They fuel crime, corrupt our youth, and provide resources for terrorism and insurgency.
“But for every kilogram of cocaine intercepted, for every clandestine laboratory dismantled, for every major drug kingpin apprehended, a critical blow is delivered to these criminal networks. These victories, are no doubt the direct result of your dedication.”
He said the agency’s reward system has helped maintain operational momentum: “This is why we uphold our tradition of rewarding key virtues: hard work, loyalty, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, honesty, courage, and obedience… We introduced this reward system: the CCEO Commands Awards and Commendations. This has become one of the primary ways management expresses appreciation for the efforts of the NDLEA workforce.
“If anything, our faith in the reward system has been proven right… However, let us not forget that each gathering to celebrate and honour our finest efforts serves as a reminder to all officers of this noble agency that there is still much work to be done.”
On improved agency capacity, he noted: “For decades, we lagged behind, constrained by a lack of resources and limited capacity. Now that we are gaining momentum with increased capacity, we must work to roll back the influence and dismantle the structures put in place by drug cartels, using the full force of the law. In carrying out your duties, it is essential to operate within the parameters of our SOPs. Adhering to these guidelines ensures your protection.”
Marwa thanked stakeholders and partners for their support: “I cannot proceed without thanking our media partners for their collaboration and partnership in supporting our efforts. I would also like to express our gratitude to UNODC, INL, the UK Border Force, the French government, and the Government of Germany for their invaluable contributions.
“At home, we owe a great deal of thanks to the Senate Committee on Narcotic Drugs and the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics… Similarly, we extend our gratitude to the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation as well as the Judiciary… We must also express our deepest thanks to the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We are where we are today because of the unwavering support we have received… Finally, we thank Nigerians for embracing the reforms we’ve implemented and for continuing to be one of our strongest partners.”
The NDLEA boss asserted that the agency remains committed to its mandate and will continue to intensify efforts until Nigeria is free from the grip of illicit drugs.
