Marwa Says Drug Scourge Remains Monumental Challenge, More Work Needed

• Agency Reports 45,853 Arrests, 8.5 Million Kilograms Of Drugs Seized, 9,263 Convictions In 30 Months

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), has stated that the challenge of the drug scourge in the country remains monumental, necessitating further efforts to combat it.

Marwa disclosed that 45,853 arrests were made, 8.5 million kilograms of drugs seized, and 9,263 individuals convicted in the past 30 months. He commended the agency’s officers for increasing the momentum of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country during the first two and a half years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The commendation was given by Marwa on Wednesday during a presentation of commendation letters and awards to 220 personnel recognised for outstanding performance in their duties, as well as the decoration of 15 senior officers with new, higher ranks.

In his remarks at the event, Marwa stated: “Today, we specifically recognise those who have gone above and beyond. We celebrate those who, despite facing immense danger and relentless temptation, have chosen the path of integrity, selflessness, and uncompromising adherence to our mandate.

“Your commitment to the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration has yielded tremendous results in the past 30 months on our two major fronts: drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction. This has led to 45,853 arrests, the seizure of over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, and the conviction of 9,263 offenders. Furthermore, 26,613 drug users have been counselled and rehabilitated in our treatment facilities across the country, while a total of 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities were conducted in schools, workplaces, markets, motor parks, places of worship, and communities, among others, within the same period.”

The anti-drug czar noted that he has upheld the tradition of hosting the commendation and awards ceremony for the past four and a half years to appreciate and encourage officers who have distinguished themselves in the line of duty. He reiterated that the challenge of the drug scourge remains monumental, requiring increased effort.

“Without mincing words, the challenge we face is monumental. Drug abuse, trafficking, and the associated criminal enterprises represent a direct and existential threat to the social fabric, economic stability, and national security of Nigeria. They fuel crime, corrupt our youth, and provide resources for terrorism and insurgency.

“But for every kilogram of cocaine intercepted, for every clandestine laboratory dismantled, for every major drug kingpin apprehended, a critical blow is delivered to these criminal networks. These victories are undoubtedly the direct result of your dedication.”

He stated that the reward system he established is intended to maintain momentum and keep the workforce in optimal condition, both materially and mentally, while ensuring high morale. “This is why we uphold our tradition of rewarding key virtues: hard work, loyalty, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, honesty, courage, and obedience. In addition to the traditional incentives such as promotions, training, and others (which we continue to work towards), we introduced this reward system: the CCEO Commands Awards and Commendations. This has become one of the primary ways management expresses appreciation for the efforts of the NDLEA workforce.

“If anything, our faith in the reward system has been proven right. Over the past four and a half years, we have witnessed an improvement in both the individual and collective ethos of our workforce. However, let us not forget that each gathering to celebrate and honour our finest efforts serves as a reminder to all officers of this noble agency that there is still much work to be done.

“For decades, we lagged behind, constrained by a lack of resources and limited capacity. Now that we are gaining momentum with increased capacity, we must work to roll back the influence and dismantle the structures put in place by drug cartels, using the full force of the law. In carrying out your duties, it is essential to operate within the parameters of our SOPs. Adhering to these guidelines ensures your protection,” he charged.

He expressed appreciation to local and international partners for believing in the Agency and supporting its efforts. “I cannot proceed without thanking our media partners for their collaboration and partnership in supporting our efforts. I would also like to express our gratitude to UNODC, INL, the UK Border Force, the French government, and the Government of Germany for their invaluable contributions.

“At home, we owe a great deal of thanks to the Senate Committee on Narcotic Drugs and the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, who, particularly over the past years, have been immensely supportive and crucial to the growth of the NDLEA as an institution. “Similarly, we extend our gratitude to the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, as well as the Judiciary, as an arm of Government. We must also express our deepest thanks to the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We are where we are today because of the unwavering support we have received from these institutions, and we are optimistic that this support will continue, enabling us to fulfil our mandate of making Nigeria a drug-free country. Finally, we thank Nigerians for embracing the reforms we’ve implemented and for continuing to be one of our strongest partners,” he added.