The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared 2024 a landmark year in its fight against drug trafficking, boasting 18,500 arrests, 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs seized, and over 3,250 convictions, including 10 drug barons.
Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), made the disclosure at the commissioning of a state-of-the-art central exhibit office donated by the U.S. government at the agency’s Lagos headquarters.
The facility, handed over by U.S. Consul General Ms. Jo Ellen Georg, highlights America’s ongoing support for Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign.
“Our operational successes in 2024 justify the global support we have received,” Marwa said, emphasizing the NDLEA’s dual strategy of supply reduction and demand reduction.
The NDLEA revealed that its successes included the destruction of 220 hectares of cannabis farms and the rehabilitation of over 8,200 individuals battling drug addiction.
Marwa noted that efforts to tackle drug abuse extended to 3,000 sensitization campaigns in schools, markets, and religious centers.
Despite the gains, Marwa acknowledged that challenges remain. “The war against drug trafficking and abuse is far from over,” he said, calling for sustained global partnerships and innovations to counter evolving threats.
Commending the U.S. for its continued support, Marwa stressed that the donation of the exhibit facility would boost transparency, accountability, and prosecution success rates.
He also lauded earlier contributions, including half a million dollars invested by the U.S. to modernize the NDLEA’s forensic lab in Lagos.
U.S. Consul General Ms. Jo Ellen Georg highlighted the shared commitment to combating drug crimes: “This facility is another step in our longstanding partnership to combat drug trafficking and secure our nations.”
She praised NDLEA’s achievements and reaffirmed U.S. dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to dismantle drug networks.
While celebrating the agency’s achievements, Marwa emphasized the need for technology-driven approaches and enhanced intelligence-sharing to keep up with dynamic drug trafficking trends.
“We seek more collaboration in areas such as advanced surveillance, intelligence systems, and operational logistics,” Marwa added.
As Nigeria strengthens its anti-drug fight, the NDLEA boss pledged accountability and transparency in utilizing global resources to build a safer and healthier society.
With 2024’s milestones, the NDLEA’s message is clear—drug traffickers are running out of hiding places. However, Marwa’s call for global solidarity underscores the need for sustained pressure to dismantle drug cartels and create a drug-free Nigeria.