Nigeria reaffirms drug war commitment as NDLEA seizes illicit substances worth N1.5trn, arrests 29,262 in 18 month
Omeiza Bilal
Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to intensifying the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, as the administration of President Bola Tinubu says it is deploying innovative, evidence-based strategies to tackle the growing menace.
The President gave the assurance on Friday in Abuja at the Presidential Villa during the grand finale of activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
He was represented at the event by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
President Tinubu said the drug problem remains a major threat to national security and social stability, noting that his administration is strengthening education, skills development, job creation, and social intervention programmes to reduce vulnerability, especially among young people.
He stressed that government efforts are not limited to enforcement alone, but also focus on addressing root causes such as unemployment, lack of education, and social vulnerability among young people.
Tinubu further emphasized the importance of technology and data in modern drug control efforts, noting that intelligence gathering, forensic science, and digital surveillance must continue to evolve to match the sophistication of transnational drug cartels.
He also called for stronger border management and closer coordination among security and regulatory agencies within and outside Nigeria.
A key highlight of the event was the strong commendation of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for its operational achievements in the ongoing anti-narcotics campaign.
Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed that in the last 18 months, the agency recorded 29,262 arrests, secured 5,225 convictions, and seized 5.3 million kilograms of illicit drugs valued at over N1.5 trillion.
Marwa said the agency’s success was driven by intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration, and international partnerships, which have led to the dismantling of major drug cartels across and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
He added that beyond enforcement, the NDLEA has expanded its drug demand reduction programmes, reaching millions of Nigerians through sensitisation campaigns, while thousands of drug users have also received counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation support nationwide.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and other stakeholders at the event commended Nigeria’s balanced approach, urging sustained collaboration in tackling both drug supply and demand.
The NDLEA says it will continue to strengthen its operations through technology, forensic capacity, and community engagement to sustain the gains recorded in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
