***Backs NDLEA’s 2026 Vision
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described the 2026 operational vision of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) under the leadership of Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) as a defining moment in Nigeria’s long and complex struggle against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, the rights group National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko said the targets unveiled by the NDLEA Chairman represent more than routine institutional planning, but a deliberate effort to recalibrate Nigeria’s drug control strategy in line with present realities and emerging threats.
According to HURIWA, the renewed emphasis on dismantling drug cartels, tracing and disrupting their financial networks, and intensifying public education reflects an understanding that drug abuse is not only a criminal justice issue but a multidimensional crisis with deep social, economic and security implications.
HURIWA noted that over the past five years, the NDLEA has undergone a visible transformation, shifting from a reactive enforcement agency to a proactive, intelligence-led institution with growing international credibility.
The association observed that sustained high-profile interceptions, improved conviction rates and continuous advocacy campaigns have helped reposition the Agency as a central pillar in Nigeria’s internal security and public health architecture.
The group argued that the progress recorded under Marwa’s leadership underscores the importance of institutional consistency, professionalism and reform-driven leadership. It stated that the clearer benchmarks set for 2026, combined with stronger coordination among NDLEA commands, State Drug Control Committees and other security agencies, signal a move toward outcomes that are not only impactful but enduring.
HURIWA also highlighted the human rights dimension of the NDLEA’s evolving strategy, noting that the prioritization of intelligence-led operations, officer safety and careful planning demonstrates an effort to enforce the law without unnecessary loss of life or abuse of power.
The association said such an approach is critical in building public trust, especially in communities where fear and stigma often discourage cooperation with law enforcement.
The rights organization further stressed that the Agency’s growing focus on prevention, advocacy and youth engagement is both timely and necessary, given the increasing links between drug abuse, violent crime, mental health challenges and the disintegration of family and community structures. HURIWA maintained that no enforcement strategy can succeed in isolation, and that sustained public education remains essential to breaking the cycle of demand that fuels drug markets.
HURIWA therefore called on Nigerians across social, religious and professional divides to view the fight against drugs as a shared civic responsibility. The association urged parents, schools, community leaders and civil society groups to actively support the NDLEA by rejecting drug culture, promoting healthy lifestyles and providing credible information that can aid lawful interventions.
The group concluded that a society overwhelmed by drugs cannot effectively protect human rights, guarantee public safety or pursue meaningful development. It added that the NDLEA’s 2026 outlook sends a firm signal that Nigeria is choosing resolve over resignation and coordination over complacency. HURIWA called for sustained political will, adequate funding and continuous citizen engagement to ensure that the Agency’s renewed mandate translates into safer communities and a more resilient nation.
