9,263 drug offenders convicted in 30 months - NDLEA
...as 26,613 individuals undergo rehabilitation
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded massive operational success under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, achieving over 45,853 arrests, seizures of 8.5 million kilograms of illicit drugs, and the conviction of 9,263 offenders in the last 30 months.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), announced the figures on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, during a ceremony where he presented commendation letters and awards to 220 personnel for outstanding performance and also decorated 15 senior officers with their new ranks.
General Marwa commended the operatives for "raising the momentum" of the drug war, stating that their commitment to the "renewed hope agenda" has yielded tremendous results across the two major planks of drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction.
He detailed the agency's achievements during the 30-month period, confirming that 45,853 individuals were arrested, over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs were seized, and 9,263 offenders were convicted.
Beyond enforcement, the agency actively worked on demand reduction, resulting in 26,613 drug users being counselled and rehabilitated in treatment facilities nationwide, while 9,848 "War Against Drug Abuse" (WADA) sensitization activities were conducted in schools, workplaces, and communities.
Marwa described the drug scourge as a "direct and existential threat to the social fabric, economic stability, and national security of Nigeria," noting that drug networks "fuel crime, corrupt our youth, and provide resources for terrorism and insurgency."
He asserted that every kilogram of cocaine intercepted, every clandestine laboratory dismantled, and every major drug kingpin apprehended delivers a "critical blow to these criminal networks," with these victories being the direct result of the personnel's dedication.
The Chairman underscored the importance of the internal reward system, noting that he has upheld the tradition of hosting the commendation and awards ceremony for the past four and a half years to appreciate personnel who have distinguished themselves.
Marwa stated that they celebrate those who, despite facing immense danger and relentless temptation, chose the path of integrity, selflessness, and uncompromising adherence to the agency's mandate.
The reward system, which includes the CCEO Commands Awards and Commendations, aims to maintain momentum and morale by rewarding hard work, loyalty, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, honesty, courage, and obedience.
He noted that the agency has witnessed an improvement in the collective ethos of the workforce since the introduction of this system. He charged the officers to use the full force of the law to dismantle drug cartels, warning that they must strictly adhere to their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in carrying out their duties to ensure their protection.
Marwa expressed deep appreciation to both local and international partners for believing in the Agency and supporting its efforts.
He specifically thanked international partners such as UNODC, INL, the UK Border Force, the French government, and the Government of Germany for their invaluable contributions. At home, he acknowledged the immense support from the Senate Committee on Narcotic Drugs and the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics.
He also extended gratitude to the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, as well as the Judiciary. He reserved his deepest thanks for the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, stating that the Agency's current success is entirely due to the unwavering support received, which is enabling the NDLEA to fulfill its mandate of making Nigeria a drug-free country.