The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa has called for a united national effort to tackle the rising menace of illicit drugs and other social vices, describing it as a responsibility that transcends law enforcement.
Speaking at the 7th Security and Emergency Management Awards and Conference (SAEMA 2025) held at NDLEA headquarters on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, Marwa outlined his plans for an intensified crackdown during his second tenure.
He stressed that while the agency will continue with aggressive drug interdiction, equal emphasis will be placed on treatment, rehabilitation, and public awareness campaigns.
Marwa revealed that in just the first ten months of 2025, the NDLEA recorded 16,304 arrests, secured convictions for around 3,000 offenders, and seized 4.5 million kilograms of illegal substances.
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The agency also destroyed over 612 hectares of cannabis plantations nationwide, demonstrating its commitment to disrupting the supply of illicit drugs.
On the demand side, Marwa highlighted the NDLEA’s grassroots initiative, the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), which has reached schools, markets, religious centres, and communities with sensitisation campaigns.
He explained that raising public awareness and treating addicts are critical to reducing demand, which in turn undermines the business of drug traffickers.
“Drug abuse is not a private vice but a national menace. Where there is no demand, there will not be supply. But that cannot happen unless you treat those who have become dependent on the substances and need their fix regularly,” he said, adding that NDLEA currently operates 30 rehabilitation centres and is working with state governments, NGOs, and international partners to expand access to recovery services.
The conference also served as a platform to commend the agency’s achievements. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC, praised Marwa for his leadership, stating that NDLEA’s work is crucial for safeguarding Nigeria’s youth and linking drug control directly to national security.
Other dignitaries, including Gen. Chris Olukolade (rtd), Prof. Sule Sule, and PRNigeria’s Yushau Shuaib, also lauded NDLEA’s efforts. The event featured the presentation of a book by Youth Corps members documenting anti-drug campaigns.
Marwa received the ‘Outstanding Personality of the Year’ award, while Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, was honoured as ‘Outstanding Crisis Communicator of the Year’. Security agencies including the Nigerian Army, Airforce, DSS, EFCC, ICPC, and NCoS were recognised for their contributions.
