By Belonwu Ezeanyaeche
There is no doubt that drug trafficking poses a vital challenge to any given society including Nigeria and is entrenched within wider global rings. Drug trafficking has intensified in recent days, driven by Get-Rich-Quick syndrome, limited law enforcement capacity, and interconnected transnational crime rings. The uncomfortable reality is that drug trafficking has also created far-reaching consequences in the society in the way of increased crime rates, heightened insecurity and social strife. In Nigeria, drug abuse is no longer a distance challenge found among populations inhabiting a remote area or a notorious spot that is known for gangsterism like motor parks and red-light districts, it is now within us as it has made its way into our towns, communities and social centres.
However, the complexity of drug trafficking demands a balanced strategy that addresses both supply and demand. While disrupting criminal networks is essential, reducing the demand for illicit drugs is equally important. Sustainable solutions require cooperation among governments, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions, civil society organizations, communities, and international partners.
Truth be told there is no doubt, the Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd) is living up to expectations by applying multifaceted approach in combating this menace through motivation of law enforcement operatives, cultivation of strong will, enhancement of both local and international cooperation, and investment in advanced technology.
At the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking ceremony held in Abuja on Friday 26 June with the theme: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues. New Challenges, Innovative Responses” speaker after speaker strongly voiced out Marwa’s doggedness and firmness in combating illicit drug trafficking through constructive, comprehensive and strategic method.
Speaking at the event in the State House Conference Hall, President Bola Tinubu while revealing his administration’s willingness to intensify deployment of technology, intelligence, forensic science and coordinated international partnerships to combat the evolving threat of illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse, poured encomiums on the leadership and personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), noting that their courage, professionalism and operational successes have earned Nigeria international recognition in the global fight against narcotics.
Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Tinubu hailed Marwa and officers of the NDLEA for what he described as their outstanding commitment to safeguarding the nation through honest commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking.
He stated the need to strengthen capacity to collect, analyze and apply data for early detection.
He said with the evolvement of illicit drug, that the ability to detect and identify drugs and precursor chemicals must evolve as well, stating that strengthening forensic laboratories, enhancing technological capabilities and supporting scientific research will remain essential to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Prof. Oluwatoyin Odeku of the Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, while presenting the keynote lecture entitled, ‘Celebrating Progress and Inspiring Collective Action Against Drug Abuse,’ admitted that Nigeria has recorded measurable progress in the war against illicit drugs over the past five years under Buba Marwa.
She said that before the emergence of Marwa as NDLEA boss, many had thought that winning anti-drug fight was not feasible, but today Nigerians have every reason to celebrate high success recorded.
Her words, “When the NDLEA was re-energised in 2021, many believed the drug war was unwinnable. Today, the evidence tells a different story. We have every reason to celebrate the progress made while remaining committed to sustaining the momentum,” she noted.
Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cheikh Toure, who was represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, commended the Federal Government’s stable and sustainable approach to drug control.
He said the leadership demonstrated by the NDLEA, the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders show the nation’s increasing commitment to evidence-based, human rights-centred drug control policies.
He pledged UNODC’s firm resolve and commitment to supporting Nigeria through technical expertise, strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that respond to realities on the ground.
NDLEA Chairman, Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) who used the gathering to outline gains of the continued fight against drug cartels shared Key milestones and details, which include the seizures made by the agency.
He said the NDLEA intercepted 5.3 million kilograms of illegal drugs valued at over ₦1.5 trillion in the past 18 months, revealing the arrests of 29,262 suspects with the agency securing 5,225 convictions over the same period.
He informed of the dismantling of major international cartels, including Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine operations.
Under its rehabilitation program, Marwa informed the agency reached five million Nigerians and counseled 13,508 people in 31 treatment centers.
He noted that the progress made represent not merely operational data but “millions of lives saved, billions of naira in criminal wealth confiscated and the future reclaimed for our youths.”
The fact remains that Marwa upon coming on board as NDLEA boss realized that drug trafficking is a complex issue that cannot be solved through enforcement alone, he focused on achieving sustainable progress embarking on coordinated and collaborative actions involving governments, law enforcement, public health institutions, educators, communities, the private sector, civil society groups and international partners.
He balanced prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation, and socioeconomic development which offered the potential for reducing both the supply of and demand for illicit drugs.
Remarkably, the agency has done quite a lot under the present leadership by remodeling and rejuvenating the fight against illicit drug trafficking. It has carried on enforcement functions creditably well, conforming to professionalism and discipline with its operational modalities being in line with global best practices.
Above all, NDLEA has created a suitable framework and different platforms that has encouraged collaborative effort and synergy with other organizations in the fight against illicit drug trafficking through multifaceted approach.
Primate Belonwu Ezeanyaeche, Founder and National Coordinator of AKH-TRACADA writes in from Abuja.
