NDLEA arrest over 18,500, seizes 2.6m kg of illicit drugs in 2024
By Sodiq Adelakun
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded significant milestones in its fight against drug trafficking and abuse, with the seizure of over 2.6 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs and the arrest of more than 18,500 offenders in 2024 alone.
The agency also secured 3,250 convictions, including 10 drug barons, destroyed over 220 hectares of cannabis farms, and rehabilitated more than 8,200 individuals.
Speaking at the commissioning of a central exhibit office donated by the United States government at the NDLEA headquarters annex in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, the Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), lauded the US as a steadfast ally in Nigeria’s fight against drug-related crimes.
“Today, I am particularly pleased to acknowledge the donation of this central exhibit custodians’ office, which underscores the critical need for secure handling of evidence. This contribution strengthens our operational framework, enhances accountability, and invests in the security and future of our nations,” Marwa said.
The US Consul General, Ms. Jo Ellen Georg, commended Marwa for leveraging the US-Nigeria partnership to deliver outstanding results in combating drug crimes.
“Over the years, our joint efforts have disrupted drug trafficking networks, dismantled clandestine meth labs, and enhanced forensic analysis capabilities. We look forward to deepening our collaboration to combat narcotics and ensure the safety of both our societies,” Georg said.
Marwa also disclosed that the agency conducted over 3,000 advocacy programmes nationwide in schools, markets, workplaces, and communities in 2024.
He emphasised that the fight against drug trafficking and abuse is far from over, calling for sustained support and collaboration from the US government and other stakeholders to address evolving challenges.
“Today, I am particularly pleased to acknowledge the donation of this central exhibit custodians’ office, which underscores the critical need for secure handling of evidence. This contribution strengthens our operational framework, enhances accountability, and invests in the security and future of our nations,” he said.
Despite these strides, Marwa emphasised that the fight against drug trafficking and abuse is far from over. He called for sustained support and collaboration from the U.S. government and other stakeholders to address evolving challenges.
“Our unending quest for support includes capacity building, advanced training, cutting-edge technology, intelligence sharing, and enhanced operational logistics,” Marwa added.
The U.S. Consul General, Ms. Jo Ellen Georg, commended Marwa for leveraging the U.S.-Nigeria partnership to deliver outstanding results in combating drug crimes.
She highlighted the significance of the donation, stating that it would provide NDLEA officers with secure spaces for investigations and evidence processing.
She also noted that the U.S. invested $500,000 in 2024 to modernise the NDLEA’s forensic laboratory in Lagos, equipping it with state-of-the-art technology to strengthen drug analysis and crime scene investigations.
“Over the years, our joint efforts have disrupted drug trafficking networks, dismantled clandestine meth labs, and enhanced forensic analysis capabilities. We look forward to deepening our collaboration to combat narcotics and ensure the safety of both our societies,” Georg said
