NDLEA to Clamp Down on Drug-Themed Parties Nationwide – Marwa Warns Promoters of Impunity
Maryam Aminu
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), has issued a stern warning against the rising wave of drug-themed parties across Nigeria, vowing that the agency will clamp down heavily on anyone promoting or enabling drug use in public or private establishments.
Marwa gave the warning following a recent incident in Lagos, where a nightclub owner publicly advertised an event that encouraged drug consumption.
“Recently, we intervened in a brazen move by a club owner who advertised a drug party. Let it be clear: possession or use of drugs in premises, hotels, or nightclubs is illegal in Nigeria. We will not allow a culture of impunity to take root,” Marwa stated.
The NDLEA boss spoke during the decoration ceremony of 15 newly promoted senior officers and the presentation of awards to others. He commended the Lagos State Command for its swift intervention in the Lagos nightclub case, revealing that legal action had already commenced against the establishment.
“We will make an example of this case to deter others. Club owners, hoteliers, and landlords must understand that their properties risk forfeiture if used for criminal drug activities. In fact, we have commenced processes for the forfeiture of the nightclub involved,” he added.
Marwa stressed that drug abuse and trafficking pose grave dangers to Nigeria’s social fabric, economic stability, and national security, warning that the agency would not relent in its mission.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Marwa highlighted the NDLEA’s significant progress in combating drug-related crimes. “In the past 30 months, we have made 45,853 arrests, seized 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, and secured 9,263 convictions. Additionally, 26,613 drug users have been counselled and rehabilitated, while 9,848 sensitization campaigns were conducted in schools, markets, workplaces, religious centers, and communities,” he said.
He explained that the agency’s reward and promotion system was introduced to sustain morale and excellence among its personnel. “For the past four and a half years, we have upheld the tradition of hosting this commendation and award ceremony to appreciate and encourage our officers who have distinguished themselves in the line of duty. Today, we are also decorating 15 senior officers with their new ranks making this a truly momentous event,” he noted.
Describing the occasion as one dedicated to “honouring courage, celebrating professionalism, and recognizing the sacrifices made by the brave men and women on the frontlines of Nigeria’s war against illicit drugs,” Marwa commended NDLEA officers for their unwavering dedication.
He, however, reminded personnel that the fight against drugs is far from over. “The challenge we face is monumental. Drug abuse, trafficking, and the associated criminal enterprises represent a direct and existential threat to Nigeria. They fuel crime, corrupt our youth, and provide resources for terrorism and insurgency,” he cautioned.
Marwa urged continued professionalism, discipline, and adherence to operational standards, emphasizing that every success from drug seizures to the dismantling of criminal networks is a victory for the nation.
The NDLEA Chairman also expressed appreciation to the agency’s local and international partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the UK Border Force, as well as the French and German governments.
He also commended the Nigerian media and sister security agencies for their collaboration in amplifying the NDLEA’s anti-drug campaigns and public enlightenment efforts.
