By Abuja, Nigeria — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced major successes in its fight against drug trafficking over the past five years. Speaking at the 11th Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) Awards and Commendation ceremony at the Agency’s National Headquarters on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) disclosed that 77,792 people have been arrested, including 128 high profile drug barons. The Agency also secured 14,225 convictions and confiscated more than 14.8 million kilograms of illicit substances during this period.
Marwa said these results show that Nigeria is no longer a safe place for drug traffickers. “Through our collective efforts, we have sent a clear signal that criminal drug operations will not thrive in our country,” he said. He added that the Agency has disrupted both local and international drug networks, ensuring that offenders face legal consequences.
The NDLEA chief also highlighted the Agency’s work in reducing drug demand. Over 32,000 individuals received counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation, while more than 13,700 awareness programs were conducted across schools, workplaces, communities, and places of worship to educate citizens about the dangers of drug abuse.
Marwa expressed gratitude for the support of the President, the legislature, judiciary, international partners, civil society, and the media, saying that these collaborations have been key to the Agency’s success. “The achievements of the past five years are just the beginning. In my second term, we intend to strengthen operations and further disrupt drug trafficking networks,” he said.
During the awards ceremony, 166 NDLEA personnel and 17 Commands were recognized for outstanding service. Marwa encouraged the awardees to view their recognition as motivation, while urging all officers to maintain discipline, intelligence led strategies, and determination in tackling drug related crimes.
He concluded by stressing the importance of sustained partnerships and proactive enforcement to protect Nigerian communities, particularly young people, from the effects of illicit drugs.
