The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to strengthen the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) due to its strategic importance to thecountry’s national security architecture.
The NSA stated this in his remarks at the commissioning of 46 new vehicles distributed to strategic commands and formations of NDLEA today, Wednesday, 13th August 2025 at the Agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
He also commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) and his team for their sustained commitment, discipline, and energy in transforming the NDLEA into a result-oriented force against one of the most destabilising threats to Nigeria’s national well-being: illicit drugs.
In his words, “I commend the Chairman, General Mohamed Buba Marwa, for his discipline, commitment, and transformative leadership. Under his watch, NDLEA has become a result-oriented force addressing the grave threats posed by illicit drugs that undermine our national security, social stability, and public health.
“This event is not just about commissioning vehicles, without the mobility to swiftly reach danger points, intercept traffickers and move resources where they are most needed, our fight is severely constrained.
The link between drug trafficking and insecurity is systemic. Criminal gangs thrive on drug profits, Insurgents and armed groups fund their activities with it. Countless young Nigerians fall victim to addiction, with devastating consequences for families and communities.
“These vehicles will be deployed nationwide to amplify NDLEA’s operational presence, strengthen deterrence, and ensure that no trafficker escapes justice.
He challenged NDLEA officers to view the commissioning as a call to action: to do more, remain vigilant, act within the law, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
In his welcome address, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA said the event is symbolic of the continuous effort to reposition the Agency as a modern, efficient, and respected organization as well as a reflection of the sustained commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to equipping institutions that stand on the front line of the country’s national security and public health.
“To that extent, today’s event is a milestone, as NDLEA is now counted among a distinguished group of security and drug law enforcement agencies around the world that are not only visible in their operations but equally respected and making impacts”, Marwa noted.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering and strategic support for the Agency. “The procurement of these vehicles was made possible by the fiscal backing of this administration, which continues to demonstrate strong resolve in addressing the root causes of insecurity and social dislocation.
Marwa said “We know from both intelligence and experience that drug abuse and trafficking are central to many security challenges in the country. The link is undeniable: kidnapping, armed robbery, insurgency, and cult violence are all fuelled by illicit substances. Drug trafficking emboldens perpetrators, strips away moral restraint and replaces hope with recklessness. No serious approach to national security can ignore drug control, and therefore we pursue our mandate with focus, determination and the results are there to show.”
He noted that in just two years of President Tinubu’s administration, the NDLEA has achieved significant results. “We have arrested 40,887 drug offenders, including 45 drug barons leading to the seizure of over 5.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances, all recovered from our streets, communities, warehouses, border routes and ports nationwide, with 704.445 hectares of cannabis farms, hidden deep in forests, destroyed.
We have equally secured the conviction of 8,682 traffickers and kingpins alike, ensured their assets forfeitures to the Federal Government through the court process, thus sending a clear message that drug crimes attract legal consequences.
“Equally important is the fact that 24,173 drug users have been treated and rehabilitated in our 30 rehab centres located across the country while 8,698 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities aimed at preventing people from going into substance abuse were carried out in schools, worship centres, workplaces, motor parks, and communities among others within the same period. These clearly created a fair balance between our drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.”
He said the achievements of the past two years reflect both the resilience of the Agency’s personnel and its growing capacity. While noting that the fight against illicit drugs is far from over, the NDLEA boss said the “illicit drug economy continues to evolve, exploiting vulnerable youths, porous borders, and sometimes complicit actors. To remain effective, our response must also evolve – with sharper intelligence, stronger community engagement and, critically, improved mobility and logistics.”
In his remarks, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN commended President Tinubu for making the achievements recorded by the leadership of Marwa at the NDLEA in the past two years possible. According to him, “Without an understanding President, it would be very difficult to have this type of gathering today. So, my first appreciation goes to him. There is a very, very close nexus between drug trafficking and all the crimes that we have.
“The Chairman has chronicled some of the effects of these illicit drugs. They embolden criminals. And when the thing wears off, then you discover that they are just ordinary mortals like you and I. And that is why attention ought to be given to this fight against illicit drugs. And when I follow NDLEA activities; the arrests, the fights they put on, you know, I’m always very happy. The credit, of course, goes to the leadership by Gen Marwa.
Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa said “the NDLEA has consistently demonstrated courage, professionalism and resilience in confronting the threats posed by drugs and substance abuse in very challenging circumstances.”
In his goodwill message at the occasion, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun congratulated President Tinubu for putting the likes of Marwa in positions of leadership in various agencies. He said the event is a testament to Marwa’s leadership style and belief in Nigeria.
A total of 38 SUVs were distributed to Zonal Commands, Strategic Commands and State Commands across the country while 10 sedan cars were given to 10 directorates.
No fewer than 15 newly promoted Commanders of Narcotics (CN) were decorated with their new rank of Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN) by the NDLEA boss at the end of the ceremony.
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