ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it arrested 77,792 drug offenders and seized nearly 15,000 kilograms of illicit substances in the past five years, underscoring the scale of its crackdown on trafficking and abuse.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) disclosed the figures at the agency’s annual awards ceremony in Abuja, praising personnel for their dedication. He said the operations have “significantly disrupted local and transnational drug trafficking networks” and warned traffickers that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for cartels.
According to Marwa, the arrests included 128 drug barons and resulted in 14,225 convictions. He said the convictions demonstrate that NDLEA’s work goes beyond raids, ensuring offenders face justice in court.
The seizures, totaling 14,847 kilograms of assorted drugs, ranged from cannabis and opioids to methamphetamine. Marwa noted that the confiscations have cut into supply chains and reduced availability of illicit substances across communities.
He credited NDLEA’s intensified operations since 2021, including intelligence‑led raids, border patrols and community sensitization campaigns. “Our men and women have shown resilience in the face of daunting challenges,” Marwa said.
Nigeria has long struggled with drug abuse, particularly among young people. Analysts say the NDLEA’s aggressive stance reflects growing concern about the social and health impacts of narcotics, as well as Nigeria’s role as a transit hub for trafficking to Europe and Asia.
Despite the successes, Marwa acknowledged ongoing challenges, including high domestic demand and judicial bottlenecks that leave many cases pending. He urged continued collaboration with international partners to strengthen enforcement.
The NDLEA also honored outstanding commands and officers during the ceremony, highlighting achievements in states such as Lagos, Kano and Rivers. Marwa said the awards were meant to motivate personnel and reinforce the agency’s commitment to excellence.
Observers note that while the statistics are impressive, sustained efforts will be needed to address the root causes of drug abuse, including poverty, unemployment and lack of rehabilitation services. Civil society groups have called for more investment in prevention and treatment alongside enforcement.
Marwa concluded by reiterating that the NDLEA will not relent. “We will continue to pursue traffickers and protect our communities,” he said. “Nigeria must never be a playground for drug cartels.”
