Marwa Reveals NDLEA's Five-Year Scorecard: 14.8m kg of Illicit Drugs Seized, 77,859 Arrests Made

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, under the leadership of its Chairman, Buba Marwa, has achieved significant milestones in the fight against drug abuse in Nigeria. Speaking at the signing of Executive Orders on the campaign against drug abuse and mass mobilisation for societal reorientation by Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, Marwa disclosed that the agency has arrested 77,859 suspects and seized over 14.8 million kilograms of illicit drugs in the last five years. This feat, according to Marwa, is a testament to the agency's commitment to eradicating drug abuse, which he described as a 'silent pandemic' fueling insecurity and economic sabotage across the country. The NDLEA boss noted that the agency has moved from reactive to offensive operations, recording major gains between 2021 and 2025, including 240 high-profile drug barons who were apprehended. In addition to the arrests and seizures, Marwa stated that over 14,122 convictions were secured, and more than 50,000 individuals were counselled and rehabilitated across 31 treatment centres nationwide. The Jigawa State Government has been commended for taking proactive steps against drug abuse and insecurity, with Marwa describing the inauguration of the State Task Force as a 'Jigawa Model of Excellence'. He urged other states to emulate this initiative, which is aimed at protecting the future of Nigerian youths. Governor Umar Namadi explained that the two signed Executive Orders are intended to protect the promise of Jigawa's young people and renew the moral strength of the community. The Orders align with his administration's 12-Point Agenda to tackle drug abuse and promote civic values. The governor noted that a youthful population is a powerful asset only when it is educated, skilled, healthy, and morally grounded, and that drug and substance abuse pose a major threat to this asset. The Jigawa State Coordinator of the newly inaugurated Task Force, CN Ibrahim Braji, pledged total commitment to the cause, stating that the Task Force will work with communities, traditional and religious leaders to identify drug hotspots and provide support for victims.