Marwa Pledges Ruthless War Against Drug Cartels, Vows Aggressive Crackdown Across Nigeria

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohamed Buba Marwa, has pledged an intensified crackdown on drug cartels and the growing menace of substance abuse in Nigeria. Speaking at the 7th Security and Emergency Management Awards and Conference (SAEMA 2025) held at the NDLEA’s national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, Marwa emphasized that combating drug-related crimes and social vices requires a collective effort from all stakeholders.

According to Marwa, the Agency plans to build on the achievements of the past five years through a dual approach of aggressive enforcement and compassionate rehabilitation. “Securing our nation is a shared responsibility. The awards presented today remind us that security agencies, emergency responders, and civil society are all united in the mission to ensure a safe, stable, and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

Marwa outlined NDLEA’s two-pronged strategy: supply reduction through intelligence-driven operations, interdictions, and international collaboration, and demand reduction via public awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration. The Agency has intercepted tons of narcotics, dismantled cartels, prosecuted thousands of offenders, and destroyed hundreds of hectares of cannabis plantations. In the first ten months of 2025 alone, the NDLEA recorded over 16,300 arrests, secured about 3,000 convictions, and seized 4.5 million kilograms of illicit substances.

On demand reduction, Marwa highlighted the “War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA) campaign, which educates communities, schools, markets, and places of worship on the dangers of drug use. “Enforcement alone cannot curb drug abuse. Awareness, treatment, and rehabilitation are equally critical. NDLEA operates 30 rehabilitation centres nationwide, providing medical treatment, counselling, and reintegration support,” he said, noting ongoing partnerships with state governments, NGOs, and international organizations to expand recovery services.

Marwa concluded by expressing gratitude to the event organizers, including Image Merchants Promotion Limited, the Centre for Crisis Communication, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, and the International Emergency Management Society, for recognizing NDLEA’s efforts and supporting the fight against drugs in Nigeria.