NDLEA Arrests 77,859 Suspects, Seizes 14.8 Million Kilograms of Illicit Drugs in Five Years

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has announced that the agency arrested 77,859 suspected drug offenders and confiscated more than 14.8 million kilograms of illicit drugs between January 2021 and December 2025.

Marwa made the disclosure on Tuesday during the signing of Executive Orders aimed at combating drug abuse and promoting societal reorientation by Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi at the Government House in Dutse.

He said the agency's intensified operations also led to the arrest of 240 high-profile drug barons and secured 14,122 convictions, describing the achievements as proof that the fight against drug trafficking is yielding significant results.

According to Marwa, over 50,000 drug users have received counselling and rehabilitation at 31 NDLEA treatment centres nationwide, while the agency's War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign has reached more than five million Nigerians through awareness and prevention programmes.

The NDLEA chairman warned that drug abuse remains a major driver of insecurity, crime and economic losses, stressing the need for stronger collaboration among governments, communities and stakeholders.

He commended the Jigawa State Government for establishing a State Task Force to tackle drug abuse, describing the initiative as a model that other states should adopt. Marwa also praised the appointment of retired NDLEA commander CN Ibrahim Braji as the coordinator of the task force.

Governor Umar Namadi said the newly signed Executive Orders are designed to protect young people from drug abuse while promoting patriotism, discipline, respect for the law and responsible citizenship. He noted that the initiative aligns with his administration's development agenda and is intended to safeguard the future of Jigawa's youth.

The governor warned that unemployment, misinformation and substance abuse could make young people vulnerable to violence and criminal activities, adding that proactive measures are essential to prevent future security challenges.

In his response, the coordinator of the newly inaugurated task force, CN Ibrahim Braji (retd.), pledged to work closely with communities, traditional rulers and religious leaders to identify drug hotspots, support rehabilitation efforts and ensure offenders are brought to justice.

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