NDLEA Boss Declares: “The World Can No Longer Be Held Hostage By Drug Cartels”

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), has urged the United Nations to intensify global efforts against criminal drug cartels undermining international peace and security.

Speaking at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Plenary Session of the Third Committee in New York on Monday, October 13, 2025, Marwa emphasized that the world can no longer be held hostage by the illicit drug trade. He called for collective global action to dismantle the transnational criminal networks driving the menace.

According to Ireporter Online, the NDLEA boss noted that Nigeria has made remarkable progress in combating drug trafficking through strategic international collaborations and intelligence sharing. “Given the transnational nature of the drug problem, Nigeria prioritizes international cooperation and intelligence sharing. We have signed memoranda of understanding with several countries and maintain strong partnerships with the UNODC, EU, DEA, INL, NCA, BKA, and others,” he said.

Marwa added that these partnerships have led to major seizures, arrests of high-profile traffickers, and successful prosecutions, all conducted in full compliance with human rights standards. He reiterated that the global community must act decisively to end the influence of criminal drug organizations, stressing, “The world can no longer be held hostage by the illicit drug trade. We must stand together, resolute and united, to dismantle the networks that threaten our peace, stability, and collective future.”

He commended the 80th UNGA Plenary Session theme for recognizing that the global drug problem is a multidimensional challenge requiring coordinated and evidence-based responses. Marwa explained that Nigeria has implemented several initiatives to curb drug abuse and trafficking, including stricter anti–money laundering measures targeting drug proceeds, and expanded rehabilitation services such as opioid substitution therapy and needle exchange programs.

The NDLEA Chairman revealed that cannabis remains the most abused drug in Nigeria, prompting the launch of the Alternative Development Programme, which engages rural communities in replacing illicit cannabis cultivation with legitimate agricultural ventures to promote food security and environmental sustainability.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, which mobilizes citizens across all sectors in nationwide sensitization drives aimed at protecting families and communities from substance abuse.

Marwa further noted Nigeria’s proactive measures against emerging threats such as new psychoactive substances and the use of the Dark Web for trafficking. He said the NDLEA continues to dismantle methamphetamine laboratories and prevent the diversion of precursor chemicals.

He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the National Drug Control Master Plan, which has strengthened stakeholder cooperation and produced measurable outcomes. He also mentioned the establishment of a 24-hour toll-free drug helpline providing professional counseling in major Nigerian languages — a service designed to close the treatment gap and reduce stigma associated with drug use.