Thursday, November 20, 2025 - The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported that it arrested over 16,304 drug suspects and seized 4.5 million kilograms of illicit substances between January and October of this year.
The NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, disclosed
these figures at the 7th Security and Emergency Management Awards and Lecture
(SAEMA) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Marwa stated that the agency, mandated to curb illicit drug
problems, is pursuing a two-pronged strategy under his leadership: Supply
Reduction and Demand Reduction.
The first strategy, Supply Reduction, focuses on closing down
the supply pipelines of illicit drugs through intelligence-led operations,
interdictions, and international collaborations. “By these means, we have
intercepted tons of narcotics, dismantled cartels, and prosecuted offenders...
our officers remain resolute and execute their job without fear or favour.”
Marwa highlighted the success of this approach: Over 16,304
arrests were recorded in the first 10 months of the year, with approximately
3,000 drug offenders successfully prosecuted and convicted. Hundreds of cases
remain ongoing in court.
Furthermore, the agency seized 4.5 million kilograms of
illicit substances and destroyed 612.2864 hectares of cannabis farms within the
same 10-month period.
The second aspect, Demand Reduction, entails ensuring a
near-zero demand for illicit drugs by users. Marwa stressed that enforcement
alone is insufficient, making awareness and treatment critical. “If we wake up
tomorrow and no one is demanding cocaine or cannabis, the market will dry up
and the suppliers will be out of business.”
This strategy is carried out through two main activities.
First is the Social Advocacy Campaign: The War Against Drug Abuse (WADA)
campaign is a comprehensive, grassroots initiative designed to awaken every
citizen and institution to their role in combating illicit drugs.
Marwa noted that the agency has conducted over 3,765 WADA
activities—comprising public lectures, sensitization visits, and other
engagements—in schools, markets, places of worship, and communities in 2025
alone.
Second is Treatment, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration:
Recognizing that sustained demand requires treating dependence, the NDLEA runs
30 rehabilitation centres across the country, offering medical treatment,
counselling, and reintegration support. The agency is actively expanding these
facilities and partnering with state governments, NGOs, and international
allies to improve accessibility to recovery.
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