…as Marwa Rewards 220 Officers, Commends Personnel for Raising Drug War Momentum under President Tinubu
By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has commended officers and men of the Agency for intensifying the fight against drug abuse and trafficking under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leading to over 45,853 arrests, 8.5 million kilograms of drugs seized, and 9,263 convictions in just 30 months.
Marwa gave the commendation on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, during the Agency’s commendation and awards ceremony held at the NDLEA headquarters, where 220 personnel were honoured for outstanding performance while 15 senior officers were decorated with new ranks.
In a statement signed by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA boss said the event was part of his administration’s tradition of rewarding excellence and inspiring dedication among personnel since assuming office over four years ago.
“Today, we specifically recognize those who have gone above and beyond. We celebrate those who, despite facing immense danger and relentless temptation, chose the path of integrity, selflessness, and uncompromising adherence to our mandate,” Marwa said.
He attributed the achievements recorded in the past two and a half years to the collective commitment of NDLEA personnel and their alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting significant progress across the Agency’s dual mandate of drug demand reduction and drug supply control.
According to him, “Your commitment to the renewed hope agenda of the administration of President Tinubu has yielded tremendous results in the past 30 months on our two major planks of drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction, leading to 45,853 arrests; seizure of over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs; and conviction of 9,263 offenders; with 26,613 drug users counselled and rehabilitated in our treatment facilities across the country, while a total of 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities were conducted in schools, workplaces, markets, motor parks, worship centres and communities among others within the same period.”
While commending the personnel for their bravery and sacrifice, Marwa warned that the challenge posed by drug abuse and trafficking remains monumental, requiring even greater effort and vigilance.
“Without mincing words, the challenge we face is monumental. Drug abuse, trafficking, and the associated criminal enterprises represent a direct and existential threat to the social fabric, economic stability, and national security of Nigeria. They fuel crime, corrupt our youth, and provide resources for terrorism and insurgency,” he stated.
“But for every kilogram of cocaine intercepted, for every clandestine laboratory dismantled, for every major drug kingpin apprehended, a critical blow is delivered to these criminal networks. These victories are no doubt the direct result of your dedication,” he added.
Marwa explained that the Agency’s reward system was introduced to sustain morale and maintain operational excellence. “This is why we uphold our tradition of rewarding key virtues: hard work, loyalty, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, honesty, courage, and obedience,” he said.
He noted that beyond promotions and training, the CCEO Commands Awards and Commendations serve as a central platform for recognizing and motivating exceptional personnel. “If anything, our faith in the reward system has been proven right. Over the past four and a half years, we have witnessed an improvement in both the individual and collective ethos of our workforce,” he said.
However, he reminded officers that the war against drugs is far from over, urging continued professionalism, discipline, and adherence to operational standards. “Each gathering to celebrate and honour our finest efforts serves as a reminder to all officers of this noble agency that there is still much work to be done. In carrying out your duties, it is essential to operate within the parameters of our SOPs. Adhering to these guidelines ensures your protection,” he charged.
The NDLEA boss also expressed gratitude to the Agency’s local and international partners, whose collaboration has strengthened Nigeria’s anti-narcotics campaign. “I cannot proceed without thanking our media partners for their collaboration and partnership in supporting our efforts. I would also like to express our gratitude to UNODC, INL, the UK Border Force, the French Government, and the Government of Germany for their invaluable contributions,” he said.
He further appreciated the support of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate Committee on Narcotic Drugs and the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, describing their partnership as crucial to the NDLEA’s institutional growth.
“At home, we owe a great deal of thanks to the Senate Committee on Narcotic Drugs and the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, who, particularly over the past years, have been immensely supportive and crucial to the growth of the NDLEA as an institution. Similarly, we extend our gratitude to the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation as well as the Judiciary as an arm of Government,” he said.
Marwa concluded by extending profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and to the Nigerian people for embracing NDLEA’s reforms.
“We must also express our deepest thanks to the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We are where we are today because of the unwavering support we have received from these institutions, and we are optimistic that this support will continue, enabling us to fulfil our mandate of making Nigeria a drug-free country. Finally, we thank Nigerians for embracing the reforms we’ve implemented and for continuing to be one of our strongest partners,” he stated.
