By Bavoriat Clara
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to strengthen the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as a central pillar in Nigeria’s national security strategy, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has assured.
Ribadu gave the assurance in Abuja during the commissioning of 48 new operational vehicles for NDLEA’s strategic and state commands, a milestone he described as a direct result of the President’s unwavering and strategic support to the agency.
The commissioning, held at the NDLEA National Headquarters, saw the NSA commend the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), for his discipline, commitment, and transformative leadership in reshaping the NDLEA into a results-driven force against one of the country’s most destabilising threats —illicit drugs.
He stressed that the link between drug trafficking and insecurity is systemic, noting that criminal gangs thrive on drug profits, insurgents and armed groups fund their activities through it, and countless young Nigerians are destroyed by addiction.
This, he said, is why the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu places drug control at the heart of the national security strategy.Ribadu explained that without adequate mobility, NDLEA’s fight would be severely constrained, adding that the newly commissioned vehicles will be deployed nationwide to intercept traffickers, move resources to flashpoints, and ensure no criminal escapes justice.
He pledged the continued full backing of his office and coordination with other security and regulatory agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, and NAFDAC. He challenged NDLEA officers to see the commissioning as a call to action, to remain vigilant, act within the law, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
In his remarks, NDLEA Chairman, Gen. Marwa, described the event as symbolic of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to equipping frontline institutions that protect national security and public health. He said the milestone places NDLEA among the distinguished ranks of security and drug law enforcement agencies globally visible, respected, and impactful.
Marwa thanked the President for providing the fiscal backing that made the procurement possible, stressing that the fight against drug abuse and trafficking is central to tackling insecurity, as crimes like kidnapping, armed robbery, insurgency, and cult violence are all fuelled by illicit substances.
Marwa revealed that in just two years under President Tinubu’s leadership, NDLEA has arrested 40,887 drug offenders, including 45 drug barons, seized over 5.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances, and destroyed 704.445 hectares of cannabis farms.
The agency has secured the conviction of 8,682 traffickers and ensured their assets were forfeited to the Federal Government, while 24,173 drug users have been treated and rehabilitated in 30 centres across the country.
He added that 8,698 sensitisation activities under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign have been carried out in schools, worship centres, workplaces, motor parks, and communities, striking a balance between drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction.While noting that the illicit drug economy continues to evolve, exploiting vulnerable youths, porous borders, and sometimes complicit actors, Marwa stressed the need for sharper intelligence, stronger community engagement, and improved logistics. He assured that the new vehicles will strengthen NDLEA’s nationwide operational presence and further deter traffickers.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, commended President Tinubu for enabling NDLEA’s achievements, highlighting the direct connection between drug trafficking and other crimes. He praised Marwa’s leadership and the high morale among NDLEA personnel, noting that without motivation, no significant results can be achieved.
Also, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the vehicles as a significant boost to NDLEA’s operational capabilities, while the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, hailed NDLEA as a model for transparency and due process. He noted that the procurement followed strict standards, making the vehicles fit for purpose.
The 48 vehicles comprise 38 SUVs allocated to Zonal and State Commands and 10 sedans assigned to NDLEA Directorates. The event also featured the decoration of 15 newly promoted Commanders of Narcotics with the rank of Assistant Commander General of Narcotics by Gen. Marwa. With the new fleet, NDLEA is set to intensify its nationwide operations, sending a clear message that the Tinubu administration’s war against illicit drugs is unrelenting and central to safeguarding Nigeria’s security and stability.
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