Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has disclosed that the agency arrested 45,853 suspects and secured 9,263 convictions in the last two and a half years.
Marwa made the revelation on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, during an awards ceremony held at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. The event honoured 220 officers for exceptional performance, while 15 senior officials were decorated with new ranks.
In his address, Marwa commended NDLEA personnel for their commitment to the fight against illicit drugs, saying their efforts have greatly advanced the government’s renewed hope agenda.
“Your commitment to the renewed hope agenda of the administration of President Tinubu has yielded tremendous results in the past 30 months on our two major planks of drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction, leading to 45,853 arrests; seizure of over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs; and conviction of 9,263 offenders,” Marwa said.
He also noted that 26,613 drug users have been counselled and rehabilitated in NDLEA facilities across the country, while 9,848 sensitisation campaigns under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative were carried out in schools, workplaces, markets, and communities.
Marwa described the fight against drug trafficking as “monumental,” warning that drug abuse fuels crime, terrorism, and social instability. He added that the agency’s reward system was designed to keep officers motivated and focused on integrity, sacrifice, and hard work.
He also expressed gratitude to local and international partners, including the UNODC, INL, UK Border Force, and the governments of France and Germany, for their continuous support.
“We are optimistic that this support will continue, enabling us to fulfil our mandate of making Nigeria a drug-free country,” Marwa said.
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