In a record-breaking effort, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has set new standards in its fight against drug trafficking and abuse in 2024. Under the leadership of Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, the Agency has achieved exceptional results over the past 10 months.
Marwa says between January and October 2024, the agency arrested 14,480 suspected drug traffickers, including 15 major drug barons. He briefed members of the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotics on Wednesday.
The figure represents a significant leap from previous years and highlights the agency’s aggressive approach to disrupting the drug trade.
Marwa also said the NDLEA confiscated a record 2.4 million kilograms of illicit drugs across the country. These drugs were seized at various entry points, including seaports, airports, and land borders.
He said the agency’s performance had already surpassed the previous three years. “We are on track to exceed our past records,” he said. “The seizures alone in 2024 have already surpassed last year’s total.”
Record-breaking heroin seizure
A standout moment in 2024 was the NDLEA’s largest heroin seizure in history. In February, the agency seized a massive 51.90 kilograms of heroin at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport. This marked a historic achievement, underscoring the NDLEA’s growing effectiveness in curbing the smuggling of high-value drugs.
The agency also achieved 2,867 convictions, a significant increase over previous years. Marwa noted that this was “far more than what we had achieved in each of the past three years,” showcasing the NDLEA’s commitment to ensuring that drug traffickers are held accountable in court.
As part of its strategy to eliminate drug sources, the NDLEA destroyed 547,378 kilograms of cannabis plants. This operation aimed to disrupt local production and significantly reduce the availability of cannabis on the streets. Such actions reflect the NDLEA’s comprehensive approach, which goes beyond seizures and arrests to include crop eradication efforts.
Marwa added that the agency has also strengthened its drug demand reduction initiatives, counseling and rehabilitating 6,655 drug users. Additionally, the NDLEA conducted 3,064 awareness campaigns, reaching over 1.3 million Nigerians in various communities, schools, motor parks, and worship centers.
Legislative support and vision for the future
Marwa expressed gratitude to the House of Representatives for their unwavering support, particularly in the passage of the NDLEA Act amendment bill. This amendment enhances the agency’s legal capacity, allowing it to address emerging drug threats more effectively.
Hon. Abass Adigun, Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, commended the agency for its dedication despite operating under challenging circumstances. He assured the NDLEA of continued legislative backing, including advocacy for improved funding and resources.
With these record-breaking achievements in 2024, observers say the NDLEA appears poised to make even greater strides in the fight against illicit drugs.
Marwa urged continued support from the government and lawmakers, stressing that the agency’s success was directly tied to adequate resources. “We can do more, and we are ready to do more,” he said. The NDLEA is now closer than ever to achieving its goal of creating a drug-free Nigeria, he added.
Leave feedback about this