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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Friday reaffirmed Nigeria’s “unwavering” resolve to crush the drug scourge through evidence-based and innovative interventions, praising the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for what he called “courage, dedication and professionalism” in recent operations that have yielded massive seizures and high-profile arrests.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Abuja, Tinubu who was represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, warned that the evolving nature of global drug markets demands constant vigilance and coordinated action.
“My administration remains committed to creating an environment in which young Nigerians can thrive and succeed,” the President said. “Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are expanding access to education, promoting skills development, supporting entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities and implementing social interventions that address some of the underlying factors that make individuals vulnerable to substance abuse and criminal recruitment.”
Tinubu added that government efforts to reduce demand must be matched by decisive action to disrupt supply. “This requires stronger border management, enhanced surveillance of ports, airports, seaports and land crossings, improved intelligence gathering and closer collaboration among national, regional and international law enforcement agencies. Criminal organizations operate across borders, and our response must be equally coordinated and effective.”
He also stressed the role of science and data in the fight. “We must continue to strengthen our capacity to collect, analyse and apply data so that emerging trends are identified early, interventions are properly evaluated and strategic decisions are informed by facts,” Tinubu said.
“Strengthening forensic laboratories, enhancing technological capabilities and supporting scientific research will remain essential if we are to stay ahead of emerging threats.”
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rted), in his welcome remarks showcased the agency’s recent operational breakthroughs and to place hard numbers behind the rhetoric.
“In the last 18 months alone, the Agency has made a total of 29,262 arrests leading to the seizure of 5,305,484.88 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs valued at over N1.5 trillion and the conviction of 5,225 offenders,” Marwa said. “These numbers represent more than just data; they represent millions of lives saved, billions of naira in criminal wealth confiscated, and a future reclaimed for our youths.”
Marwa described a string of transnational successes, saying the NDLEA, in collaboration with the US-DEA and European partners, “successfully dismantled the notorious Amadi Simon drug cartel.”
He also recounted the arrest of a 63‑year‑old alleged drug kingpin, Innocent Anochili, alongside three Mexican nationals and six Nigerians, and the discovery and dismantling of an industrial-scale clandestine meth laboratory in Ibarapa North, Oyo State.
“In the face of these sophisticated threats, the NDLEA has not blinked. We remain resolute,” Marwa said. “To those who think they can operate with impunity, our recent spectacular operational breakthroughs send an unmistakable message: there is no safe haven.”
The NDLEA boss stressed that enforcement is only one part of a broader strategy. “Through our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, we have conducted 6,645 drug use prevention-focused sensitization and awareness creation programmes, equipping nearly five million Nigerians with the life skills to resist drug abuse,” he said. “Equally significant is the counselling, treatment and rehabilitation of 13,508 drug users across our 31 rehab centres” during the same period.
Marwa highlighted technological and programmatic innovations, noting: “We are strengthening our use of technology, deep-web intelligence gathering, and advanced data analytics to identify emerging drug trends before they hit the streets. We are radically upgrading our forensic and chemical analysis capabilities to improve the detection of precursor chemicals and new, exotic psychoactive substances.”
He also announced an Alternative Development Programme — described as the “first in Africa” — aimed at giving illicit cannabis growers legitimate livelihoods by promoting licit crops such as cassava, maize, cowpeas and cocoa. “Alternative Development is about giving illicit cannabis growers an alternative source of legitimate income thereby achieving sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment,” Marwa said.
Marwa thanked President Tinubu for political backing and praised NDLEA personnel as “the thin green line standing between safety and chaos, working tirelessly day and night to protect our nation.”
International and expert voices at the event underlined the need for balanced, rights-respecting policies.
UNODC Country Representative Chiekh Toure, represented by Akanidomo Ibanga, commended Nigeria’s integrated approach. “The leadership of institutions such as the NDLEA, the Federal Ministry of Health, and other critical stakeholders demonstrates a growing recognition that effective drug control must integrate both supply and demand reduction, underpinned by evidence and respect for human rights,” he said. “At UNODC, we are privileged to support these national efforts by advancing innovative, evidence-based responses that align with global standards and national priorities.”
Professor Oluwatoyin Odeku of the University of Ibadan, who delivered the guest lecture titled “Celebrating Progress and Inspiring Collective Actions against Drug Abuse,” urged stakeholders to take heart from recent gains. “When NDLEA was re-energised in 2021, many thought the drug war was unwinnable. Today, the data tells a different story, and we have reasons to celebrate,” she said.
Other senior officials who spoke included representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, NACA, and the House of Representatives Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, all pledging continued partnership with NDLEA.
The ceremony also featured an inter-secondary school essay competition whose winners were awarded cash prizes: Ikpeamechi Jennifer of Federal Government Secondary, Enugu State (first prize N500,000); Aliyu Kama of General Murtala Mohammed College, Yola (second prize N300,000); and Chagoziem Ikechukwu of Mimshak Academy, MbawI Isiala Ngwa North, Abia State (third prize N200,000).
