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The recent seizure of 1.8 tons (1,855 kgs) of cocaine worth $278,250,000 or N194.8 billion in Ikorodu area of Lagos State by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is, indeed, a great feat. Without doubt, it was the biggest singular drug seizure in the history of the country and the 32-year-old agency. About four drug barons, including a Jamaican and the warehouse manager, were arrested in the well-coordinated operation that lasted for two days in some parts of Lagos State.
President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), and his team for the significant drug haul. According to President Buhari, “I deeply appreciate the work that you have put into the eradication of the drug menace. It gladdens my heart as I continue to follow the successes achieved under your leadership.” The Lagos drug bust has shown that the new NDLEA under the watch of Marwa is working diligently and getting excellent results.
Over time, Marwa has proved beyond doubt that the anti-drug war can be won. In Marwa, Nigerians have seen a new resolve and determination to rid the country of illicit drugs. In less than 20 months, the anti-drug agency seized 3.6 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs, made over 19,000 arrests, obtained more than 3,000 convictions, and counselled and rehabilitated about 12,326 persons.
However, the work ahead is enormous as more Nigerians are getting more involved in the drug trade, which is hazardous but very lucrative. At 14.4 per cent, Nigeria has an exceptionally high prevalence of drug use in the world. Many Nigerians see the drug trade as an easier route to stupendous wealth and fame. Sadly, Nigeria is becoming a major drug trafficking route in the world.
While illicit drugs can be harmful to health, money from drugs can weaken the economy and can be used for terrorism. The drug trade is largely driven by poverty, unemployment and the brazen opulence of the political elites and other affluent Nigerians. Also, the erosion of moral values and the worship of wealth by Nigerians may have tacitly encouraged the drug business. For the agency to continue with its giant strides so far, it needs more support and funding from the government for the provision of adequate logistics. Moreover, there is need to amend the Act establishing the agency in order to expunge the weak and obsolete provisions that impede the work of the agency. The judiciary can assist in ensuring speedy prosecution of drug cases and getting more convictions. Regrettably, the present ridiculous fines given to some convicts cannot deter others from going into the drug business. With stringent jail terms and fines in place, the anti-drug war will be highly intensified in all fronts. The impetus will translate to fishing out more drug kingpins still in hiding. When Marwa assumed the leadership of the agency in January 2021, he inherited a meagre 5,000-man aging workforce, poorly trained and highly unmotivated amid poor welfare and other operational issues. But, with the intervention of the president and support from other arms of government, the agency has made remarkable progress in the anti-drug war.
The sterling performance of the agency under Marwa has earned the trust and confidence of international partners and they have assisted the agency through the donation of equipment. For instance, the government of the United Kingdom (UK) donated a speedboat to the Marine Unit of the NDLEA in 2021. Twice, the French government assisted the agency through training and donation of intervention equipment. The UK Border Force on December 8, 2021, refurbished and equipped the detention facility at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The Narcotic Detection Dog Training Facility worth four million euros and to be completed in four years was donated by the German government in August 2021.
Following the abuse of crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as Mkpuru Mmiri in 2021, the agency rose to the occasion and quickly dismantled the illicit meth laboratories in the country. It recently dismantled two illicit drug laboratories in Victoria Garden City, Ajah, Lagos and Nise Community in Anambra State.
Apart from tracking drug syndicates and making seizures, the NDLEA should embark on more vigorous enlightenment campaigns on the dangers of illicit drugs and the need for those involved to embrace legitimate businesses. The campaigns should involve religious and community leaders, market women, traders, teachers, school children and civil society organisations.
