By Gabriel Ameh
Abuja, January 20, 2026 — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded 77,792 arrests, secured 14,225 convictions, and seized over 14.8 million kilograms of illicit drugs nationwide in the last five years, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has disclosed.
Marwa made the disclosure while addressing officers and men of the agency at the 11th NDLEA Commanders’ Conference and Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) Awards in Abuja.
He described the achievements as a solid foundation, stressing that the agency’s renewed mandate under his second tenure would intensify the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
“The successes of the past five years are merely a foundation. In this second tenure, we will escalate the war against drug abuse and trafficking to new heights of efficiency and results,” Marwa said.
He charged NDLEA personnel to brace for a more aggressive operational phase, emphasising the need for intelligence-led and technologically driven enforcement.
“The next phase of our operations demands more grit and greater tactical sophistication. We will not rest until every drug baron is behind bars, every trafficker intercepted, every mule caught, and every single gram of illicit drugs removed from our streets and communities,” he stated.
Marwa warned against complacency, noting that drug trafficking remains a serious threat to national security and the future of Nigerian youths.
“There is no room for complacency. We must remain proactive and relentless in our pursuit of those who seek to destroy our youth and undermine national security. There will be no retreat,” he added.
Awards, Motivation and Partnerships
At the ceremony, outstanding officers were honoured at the 11th CCEO Awards for exceptional courage, integrity, and dedication to duty. Marwa urged the awardees to see the recognition as a reminder that excellence is valued, while encouraging other officers to draw inspiration from their achievements.
He explained that the Command Awards and Commendations system, conducted after bi-annual appraisals, is a core part of NDLEA’s internal reward structure aimed at boosting morale and strengthening organisational commitment.
“Our dedication to duty has driven our performance, just as motivation has catalysed our success. Management’s multipronged motivational strategy has contributed significantly to the resurgence of the agency and its improved work ethic,” Marwa said.
He reaffirmed management’s commitment to improving productivity and operational efficiency across all commands.
Call for Stronger Collaboration
The NDLEA boss also acknowledged the support of international partners, sister security agencies, civil society organisations, and the media, describing their contributions as critical to the agency’s successes.
He called for deeper and more strategic partnerships in the years ahead, stressing that collective action remains vital to safeguarding Nigerian communities and protecting the future of the nation’s children.
