Tinubu Reiterates Commitment to Drug-Free Nigeria, Commends NDLEA’s Anti-Narcotics Campaign
Oru Leonard
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking through innovative, evidence-based strategies, while commending the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its achievements in disrupting drug cartels across the country.
Speaking through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), at the grand finale of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Abuja, President Tinubu said the Federal Government remains determined to address both the supply and demand sides of the drug problem.
He said the Renewed Hope Agenda is expanding access to education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities to reduce the vulnerability of young Nigerians to drug abuse and criminal activities.
The President stressed that stronger border management, enhanced surveillance at ports, airports and land borders, improved intelligence gathering and greater collaboration with international law enforcement agencies were critical to dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks.
Tinubu also underscored the importance of science, technology and reliable data in tackling emerging drug threats, promising continued investment in forensic laboratories, technological capabilities and the criminal justice system to strengthen Nigeria’s response.
He praised the leadership of NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), and the agency’s personnel for recording increased arrests, seizures, convictions, rehabilitation programmes and advocacy campaigns, describing their efforts as a reflection of the government’s zero-tolerance stance against organised crime.
The President, however, noted that government alone could not win the war against drugs, calling on parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders, the media, civil society organisations and the private sector to support prevention, treatment and rehabilitation initiatives.
Earlier, Marwa disclosed that the NDLEA had arrested 29,262 drug offenders and seized 5,305,484.88 kilograms of illicit drugs valued at over N1.5 trillion in the last 18 months. He added that the agency secured 5,225 convictions within the same period while dismantling major transnational drug syndicates operating in Nigeria.
According to him, the agency also intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting 6,645 sensitisation programmes across schools, markets, workplaces, worship centres and communities, reaching nearly five million Nigerians. He said 13,508 drug users also received counselling, treatment and rehabilitation at NDLEA facilities nationwide.
Marwa highlighted the agency’s growing deployment of technology, deep-web intelligence and advanced forensic analysis to combat emerging drug trends, while noting that its Alternative Development Programme is providing cannabis farmers with sustainable livelihoods through the cultivation of legal crops.
The event also featured a lecture on collective action against drug abuse, goodwill messages from government officials and international partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as well as the presentation of prizes to winners of the NDLEA inter-secondary school essay competition.
