Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the chairman and chief executive officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), revealed that during the past two and a half years, the agency has arrested 45,853 suspects and obtained 9,263 convictions.
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Marwa revealed the information at an awards ceremony at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. 220 officers were recognized for their outstanding work at the occasion, while 15 senior officials received new ranks.
During his speech, Marwa praised NDLEA employees for their dedication to combating illegal narcotics, claiming that their work had significantly advanced the government’s program for renewed optimism.
“Your dedication to the administration of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda has produced tremendous results over 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 stated.
Additionally, he reported that 9,848 sensitization campaigns under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative were conducted in schools, workplaces, marketplaces, and communities, and that 26,613 drug users had received counseling and rehabilitation in NDLEA facilities nationwide.
Marwa warned that drug misuse fosters crime, terrorism, and social instability, calling the battle against drug trafficking “monumental.” He continued by saying that the agency’s incentive program was created to keep police inspired and concentrated on honesty, selflessness, and diligence.
Additionally, he thanked the governments of France and Germany, the UNODC, INL, UK Border Force, and other local and international partners for their unwavering support.
Marwa stated, “We are hopeful that this support will continue, enabling us to fulfill our mandate of making Nigeria a drug-free country.”
