The war against illicit drugs in Nigeria received a major boost on Wednesday as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) commissioned 46 new vehicles for deployment to strategic commands and formations nationwide. This comes on the back of sweeping achievements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including the arrest of 40,887 drug offenders — 45 of them drug barons — and the seizure of over 5.5 million kilograms of illicit substances in just two years.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, saw high-profile endorsements from National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who pledged sustained government support to the agency’s fight against the drug menace.
Ribadu described the NDLEA as a “result-oriented force” critical to national security, commending Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), for transforming the agency into a formidable front-line defender against illicit drugs.
“The link between drug trafficking and insecurity is systemic. Criminal gangs thrive on drug profits; insurgents and armed groups fund their activities with it. Countless young Nigerians fall victim to addiction with devastating consequences for families and communities,” Ribadu said.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu prioritizes drug control as a pillar of our national security strategy. These vehicles will strengthen NDLEA’s operational presence, deterrence, and capacity to ensure no trafficker escapes justice.”
He tasked NDLEA officers to see the vehicles as a call to action to remain vigilant, act within the law, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
In his remarks, Marwa said the vehicles’ procurement was a milestone made possible by the President’s “unwavering and strategic support” for the agency, noting that NDLEA now ranks among respected global security and drug law enforcement institutions.
“Drug abuse and trafficking are central to many security challenges in the country. The link is undeniable: kidnapping, armed robbery, insurgency, and cult violence are all fuelled by illicit substances,” Marwa said.
“In two years, we have destroyed 704.445 hectares of cannabis farms, secured the conviction of 8,682 traffickers, rehabilitated 24,173 drug users, and carried out 8,698 sensitisation campaigns under our War Against Drug Abuse initiative.”
Attorney General Fagbemi hailed Marwa’s leadership and the agency’s results, stressing the close connection between drug trafficking and other violent crimes.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, also lauded NDLEA’s professionalism and resilience, calling the vehicle acquisition “a significant boost” to operational effectiveness. Bureau of Public Procurement Director General, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, praised the agency for following due process, describing NDLEA as “an example for other government institutions.”
Of the 46 new vehicles, 38 SUVs went to Zonal Commands, Strategic Commands, and State Commands, while 10 sedans were allocated to directorates. The ceremony also saw 15 newly promoted Commanders of Narcotics decorated with the rank of Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN).
