The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 77,792 drug offenders and seized 14,847 tonnes of illicit drugs over the past five years, its Chairman, retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, has said.
Marwa disclosed this on Tuesday during an award and commendation ceremony for NDLEA personnel at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
He said the seizures dealt a major blow to both local and international drug trafficking networks, sending a strong signal that Nigeria will no longer tolerate illicit drug operations.
According to him, 128 identified drug barons were among those arrested within the period, underscoring the scale of the agency’s enforcement operations.
He added that the NDLEA secured 14,225 convictions, reinforcing deterrence and demonstrating the consequences of engaging in drug-related crimes.
“It is heartwarming to note that in the last five years, we recorded significant operational successes, including the arrest of 77,792 drug offenders, among them 128 identified drug barons who were central to major trafficking networks,” Marwa said.
“We seized a total of 14,847,000 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, thereby significantly disrupting both local and transnational supply chains.
“In further strengthening the criminal justice response, the agency successfully prosecuted and secured convictions against 14,225 offenders, reinforcing deterrence and affirming that drug crime attracts consequences.”
Marwa said the agency also intensified efforts to curb drug demand, with 32,442 individuals benefiting from counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation programmes nationwide.
He added that the NDLEA conducted 13,735 sensitisation activities under its War Against Drug Abuse campaign, targeting schools, markets, motor parks, workplaces, places of worship, and communities.
The NDLEA boss pledged to sustain efforts to bring drug barons to justice, intercept traffickers, and rid Nigerian streets of illicit drugs, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to the fight against drug-related crimes.
