By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has emphasised that safeguarding Nigeria from the dangers of substance abuse, illicit drug trafficking, and related social vices must be treated as a collective national duty.
Marwa made this known in his keynote address at the 7th Security and Emergency Management Awards and Conference (SAEMA 2025), held on Wednesday at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. The event, hosted by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) in partnership with key crisis management and civil society bodies, brought together security agencies, emergency responders, and development partners.
In an official statement issued by the Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA boss assured that the Agency would consolidate on its five-year achievements under his leadership, using a balanced strategy that strengthens interdictions while expanding treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention efforts as he begins his second tenure.
“The task before us securing our nation is a shared responsibility,” Marwa said. “All security agencies, emergency responders, and civil society partners are working towards the same goal: a safe, stable, and prosperous Nigeria. The NDLEA remains committed to this cause, determined to build on the successes of the past few years. We will continue to adopt a balanced approach, placing equal emphasis on Supply Reduction through aggressive interdiction and Demand Reduction through compassionate treatment and prevention.”
He commended IMPR and its partners for selecting the theme, “Drug Control and National Security: Innovations for a Safer Tomorrow,” noting that drug abuse and insecurity are strongly interlinked and must be tackled holistically.
Aggressive interdictions, massive seizures, and record arrests
Marwa outlined the Agency’s two-pronged strategy, starting with Supply Reduction driven by intelligence-led operations, border control surveillance, and international collaborations.
“In the first 10 months of this year alone, we have recorded over 16,304 arrests and have successfully prosecuted and secured the conviction of about 3,000 drug offenders with hundreds of cases ongoing in court,” he disclosed.
He added that the Agency seized 4.5 million kilograms of illicit substances within the same period and destroyed 612.2864 hectares of cannabis farms through deep-forest operations.
“Our officers remain resolute—from borders to airports and seaports—executing their job without fear or favour,” Marwa stated.
Expanding WADA, strengthening treatment and rehabilitation
On Demand Reduction, the NDLEA boss highlighted the expanding reach of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, which he described as a grassroots, nationwide social advocacy effort.
“Through WADA, we have entered schools, markets, places of worship, traditional institutions and communities to spread the message that drug abuse is not a private vice but a national menace,” he said.
He revealed that in 2025 alone, the NDLEA recorded 3,765 WADA activities, with officers across 36 states, 14 zonal commands and 10 strategic commands engaging weekly.
He noted that the NDLEA now operates 30 rehabilitation centres nationwide, offering treatment, counselling, and reintegration services, with more expansion underway through state governments, NGOs, and international partners.
CISLAC, Gen. Olukolade, PRNigeria, others salute NDLEA’s leadership
In his remarks, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, applauded Marwa’s leadership, describing it as instrumental in rescuing Nigerian youths from drug-related dangers.
“Every day we hear of drugs being intercepted and taken from the hands of the public. The incredible amount of work that Gen. Marwa is doing for this country, I don’t think people have even sat down to reflect,” Rafsanjani said.
He noted that drug abuse cannot be separated from Nigeria’s security challenges and praised the agency’s relentless efforts.
Rafsanjani further stated that the awards symbolised recognition for security personnel who make daily sacrifices, many of whom have died with little public appreciation. He pledged continued support from Amnesty International, Transparency International, and CISLAC in boosting the morale of Nigeria’s security institutions.
Other speakers who commended the NDLEA included the Chairman of the Centre for Crisis Communication, Gen. Chris Olukolade (rtd); Chairman, IMPR, Prof. Sule Yau Sule; and the MD/Editor-in-Chief of PRNigeria, Yushau Shuaib.
The event also featured the unveiling of a book titled “Anti-Drug, Anti-Smuggling Campaigns: A Corpers’ Chronicle,” written by two NYSC members, Arafat Abdulrazaq and Tahir Ahmad.
Marwa, NDLEA emerge top winners at SAEMA 2025
The highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of the ‘Outstanding Personality of the Year’ award to Brig Gen Marwa (rtd).
NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, also received the ‘Outstanding Crisis Communicator of the Year’ award.
Other agencies honoured at the event included the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, DSS, EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigerian Correctional Service, among others.
Marwa thanked the organisers for choosing the NDLEA to host the 2025 edition and for consistently recognising institutions and individuals working to safeguard the nation.
“With solidarity and shared commitment, we can build a safer tomorrow for Nigeria,” he said.
