The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), says the agency has arrested 77,859 suspected drug offenders, seized more than 14.8 million kilograms of illicit drugs, and secured 14,122 convictions over the past five years as part of an intensified nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse.
Marwa disclosed the figures on Tuesday in Dutse during the signing of two Executive Orders by Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi aimed at strengthening the state’s campaign against drug abuse and promoting civic responsibility.
Addressing government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders, the NDLEA boss warned that substance abuse has become a major driver of insecurity, violent crimes and economic losses across Nigeria.
“Drug abuse is the silent pandemic fueling the insecurity and economic sabotage we face today. It erodes the productivity of our greatest asset, our youth,” Marwa said.
According to him, the agency has shifted from a largely reactive posture to intelligence-led offensive operations since 2021.
He said between January 2021 and December 2025, NDLEA arrested 77,859 suspects, including 240 high-profile drug barons, intercepted more than 14.8 million kilograms of illicit substances and secured 14,122 convictions, describing the achievements as proof that the era of impunity for drug traffickers is gradually coming to an end.
Marwa added that over 50,000 drug users have undergone counselling and rehabilitation in 31 NDLEA treatment centres nationwide, while the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign has reached more than five million Nigerians through schools, communities and public enlightenment programmes.
He commended Governor Namadi for supporting the agency and described Jigawa’s newly inaugurated anti-drug task force as a model that should be replicated across the federation.
The NDLEA chairman noted that although Jigawa’s estimated drug prevalence rate of about seven per cent remains below the North-West regional average of 12 per cent, sustained intervention is needed to prevent future increases.
Governor Namadi said the Executive Orders align with his administration’s agenda to protect young people from drug abuse and strengthen civic responsibility.
He noted that the nationwide protests witnessed in August 2024 showed how frustration, misinformation and idleness could expose young people to violence, stressing that governments must invest in education, skills acquisition and moral values.
The newly inaugurated State Task Force, led by retired NDLEA commander CN Ibrahim Braji, will work with traditional institutions, religious leaders and communities to identify drug hotspots, support rehabilitation programmes and strengthen enforcement against offenders.
The announcement comes as the NDLEA continues to intensify nationwide operations against drug trafficking syndicates, including recent large-scale seizures at Nigerian ports and across the country’s borders.
