NDLEA Boasts Record Drug Seizures, Arrests in 2024

Abuja, Nigeria – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced a significant increase in its anti-drug operations in the first ten months of 2024, outperforming the previous three years.

Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, revealed these figures during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs.

From January to October 2024, the NDLEA arrested 14,480 suspected drug traffickers, including 15 alleged drug barons.

This resulted in the seizure of over 2.4 million kilogrammes of various illicit drugs throughout the country, including seaports, airports, land borders, and communities.

The agency also destroyed 547,378 kilogrammes of cannabis plants.

Furthermore, the NDLEA secured 2,867 convictions, a significant increase over previous years, and counselled and rehabilitated 6,655 drug users.

The agency also carried out 3,064 awareness campaigns, reaching over 1.3 million people.

Marwa highlighted several notable accomplishments, including the largest single heroin seizure in the agency’s history (51.9 kilogrammes at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in February) and the imposition of life sentences on notorious drug traffickers.

He also cited the arrest of several high-profile drug lords in Lagos and the recent passage of the amended NDLEA Act as significant milestones.

Marwa praised the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs’ support but emphasised the need for ongoing funding to improve operational capacity.

He stated that, despite achieving impressive results with limited resources, increased funding would enable the NDLEA to fully realise its potential in combating drug trafficking in Nigeria.

Hon. Abass Adigun, Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, praised the NDLEA’s dedication and assured the agency of the committee’s unwavering support in obtaining adequate funding, modern equipment, and better working conditions for its employees.

The committee’s oversight visit demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the NDLEA’s continued effectiveness in combating Nigeria’s drug menace.