Marwa highlighted the agency’s unwavering commitment over the past four years in tackling the drug issue, ensuring Nigeria’s achievements in global and regional drug control were not only preserved but expanded.
“Over the last four years, the NDLEA has deployed significant resources in the fight against the drug menace,” Marwa stated. “This includes arrests, prosecutions, and convictions, resulting in the capture of 62,595 drug suspects, including 68 drug barons. Additionally, we have seized 10,317,137.55 kilograms of various drugs and secured the conviction of 11,628 offenders. We also identified and destroyed 1,330.565 hectares of cannabis farms.”
He further emphasized that the NDLEA had also placed equal importance on drug demand reduction, ensuring a well-rounded approach in line with international standards.
Between January 2021 and March 2025, Marwa revealed that 24,375 drug users received counselling and treatment at NDLEA facilities. Furthermore, 10,501 drug sensitization programs were held nationwide as part of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy campaign, which reached a broad range of community groups. Additionally, 3,843,789 people participated in these awareness efforts.
The NDLEA Chairman also spoke about the agency’s investment in drug use prevention strategies, recognizing the critical importance of prevention over cure. He emphasized the need for targeted interventions to reduce risk factors and strengthen protective factors, especially among vulnerable and marginalized populations, including the youth.
“In these challenging times, we must remain hopeful,” Marwa said. “As stewards of the nation’s well-being, it’s our duty to address this crisis head-on and work towards practical solutions that can break the cycle of drug abuse. This event marks a small yet significant step in the right direction.”
He concluded by stressing the importance of community-centered solutions to the drug problem. “This issue is most felt at the community level. We must come together to develop realistic, indigenous approaches that go beyond statistics and headlines, addressing the human toll of drug abuse,” he added. About the Author
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