The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported that it arrested over 16,304 drug suspects and seized 4.5 million kilograms of illicit substances between January and October of this year. The NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, disclosed these figures at the 7th Security and Emergency Management Awards and Lecture (SAEMA) on Wednesday in Abuja.Marwa stated that the agency, mandated to curb illicit drug problems, is pursuing a two-pronged strategy under his leadership: Supply Reduction and Demand Reduction.The first strategy, Supply Reduction, focuses on closing down the supply pipelines of illicit drugs through intelligence-led operations, interdictions, and international collaborations. By these means, we have intercepted tons of narcotics, dismantled cartels, and prosecuted offenders... our officers remain resolute and execute their job without fear or favour.Marwa highlighted the success of this approach: Over 16,304 arrests were recorded in the first 10 months of the year, with approximately 3,000 drug offenders successfully prosecuted and convicted. Hundreds of cases remain ongoing in court. Furthermore, the agency seized 4.5 million kilograms of illicit substances and destroyed 612.2864 hectares of cannabis farms within the same 10-month period.The second aspect, Demand Reduction, entails ensuring a near-zero demand for illicit drugs by users. Marwa stressed that enforcement alone is insufficient, making awareness and treatment critical. If we wake up tomorrow and no one is demanding cocaine or cannabis, the market will dry up and the suppliers will be out of business. This strategy is carried out through two main activities. First is the Social Advocacy Campaign: The War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign is a comprehensive, grassroots initiative designed to awaken every citizen and institution to their role in combating illicit drugs. Marwa noted that the agency has conducted over 3,765 WADA activitiescomprising public lectures, sensitisation visits, and other engagementsin schools, markets, places of worship, and communities in 2025 alone. Second is Treatment, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration: Recognizing that sustained demand requires treating dependence, the NDLEA runs 30 rehabilitation centres across the country, offering medical treatment, counselling, and reintegration support. The agency is actively expanding these facilities and partnering with state governments, NGOs, and international allies to improve accessibility to recovery.
0 Comments