NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 77,792 suspected drug offenders and secured 14,225 convictions over the past five years as part of its intensified crackdown on illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the 11th Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) Awards and Commendation Ceremony held at the NDLEA national headquarters.

Marwa said the agency also seized over 14.8 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs within the period, dealing a significant blow to local and international drug cartels. He added that 128 major drug barons were among those arrested, a development he noted had weakened criminal trafficking networks nationwide.

Beyond enforcement, Marwa said the NDLEA prioritised rehabilitation and prevention, with more than 32,000 drug users receiving professional treatment and counselling. He also disclosed that over 13,700 sensitisation programmes were carried out under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign across schools, markets, workplaces, religious centres, and communities.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for renewing his mandate, describing it as a strong endorsement of the agency’s performance, and pledged to intensify intelligence-driven and tactical operations in his second tenure.

“We will not rest until every drug baron is behind bars and every illicit substance is removed from our streets,” Marwa said.

At the event, 166 NDLEA officers and 17 state commands were honoured for outstanding performance, bravery, and dedication to duty. Marwa also commended the judiciary, security agencies, international partners, civil society organisations, and the media for their continued support in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.