BREAKING: NDLEA Chief Highlights Major Wins In 2024, Calls For Continued Global Collaboration

The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), has credited the agency’s growing successes in combating drug trafficking and abuse to the support it receives from international partners, particularly the United States government.

Speaking on January 7, 2025, at the commissioning of a central exhibit office donated by the U.S. government at the NDLEA headquarters annex in Ikoyi, Lagos, Marwa praised the partnership’s role in enhancing the agency’s operational capacity.

The facility was handed over by the U.S. Acting Consul General, Jo Ellen Georg, alongside other senior officials.

Marwa emphasized the significance of the donation, stating, “Today, I am particularly pleased to acknowledge one of such gestures, namely the donation of the office for our central exhibit custodians.

“This donation acknowledges the critical need for efficient and secure handling of evidence, which is essential for the successful prosecution of drug-related cases.

“This contribution will not only strengthen our operational framework but also set a new standard for accountability and transparency in drug law enforcement. It is an investment in the security and the future of our nations.”

2024 Milestones in the Fight Against Drugs

Despite ongoing challenges, Marwa highlighted the agency’s remarkable achievements in 2024:
– Drug Seizures: Over 2.6 million kilograms of illicit substances confiscated.
– Arrests: More than 18,500 offenders, including 10 drug barons.
– Convictions: Secured over 3,250 convictions.
– Cannabis Farms: Destroyed 220 hectares.
– Rehabilitation: Counseled and rehabilitated over 8,200 individuals.
– Awareness Campaigns: Conducted more than 3,000 sensitization programs in schools, markets, motor parks, worship centres, and workplaces nationwide.

He said despite the Agency’s improved performance, “we recognise that the war against drug trafficking and abuse is far from over. As an organisation, we are committed to surmounting the challenges.

“So far, the results have been justifying. In 2024, we seized over 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs. Across the country, we arrested more than 18,500 drug trafficking offenders. Got over 3,250 convicted, including 10 drug barons, with more than 220 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed, while in the same breath we counselled and rehabilitated over 8, 200, with more than 3,000 sensitisation and advocacy programmes organized across the country in schools, markets, motor parks, worship centres, work places and communities, among others, thus creating an equipoise between our drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.”

Marwa underscored the importance of balancing efforts to reduce drug supply with initiatives to curb demand.

Continued Calls for Support

Acknowledging the dynamic nature of drug-related crimes, Marwa called for sustained collaboration with global stakeholders.

He appealed for additional resources, including advanced surveillance technology, operational logistics, and enhanced training for NDLEA personnel.

“That is why we are pragmatic in our unending quest for further support from our international partners, key stakeholders and public-spirited persons. We seek intervention in critical areas such as capacity building and enhanced training for our officers, provision of technology and equipment, especially for advanced surveillance and tracking, intelligence and information sharing and provision of operational logistics.

“Our shared goal remains the protection of lives and the promotion of a safer, healthier world. As Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, I pledge our commitment to accountability, transparency, and the effective utilisation of the resources entrusted to us. I assure you that every donation inspires confidence in the agency and, by extension, inspires resilience, hardwork and dedication among our workforce,” Marwa added.

Appreciating the US DEA attaché in Nigeria, Robert Bascoe, for his exceptional dedication, he also acknowledged the significant collaboration from the United States Africa Command and the US Embassy in making the donation a reality.

U.S. Commitment to Nigeria’s Anti-Drug Efforts

U.S. Acting Consul General, Jo Ellen Georg, highlighted the enduring partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared democratic values.

She commended Marwa for leveraging U.S. support to achieve significant results in combating drug-related crimes.

She revealed that in 2024, the U.S. invested $500,000 to upgrade the NDLEA’s chemical forensic laboratory in Lagos, equipping it with cutting-edge technology for analyzing suspicious substances and processing evidence.

According to Georg, “The efforts to fight drug trafficking in Nigeria and across West Africa region have successes because we share the same objective of countering crime, illegal drugs, and instability. Today, as part of our enduring partnership, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, is honoured to hand over a dedicated office space for the NDLEA. This dedicated facility will provide NDLEA officers with a safe and secure office space to conduct investigations, to process arrestees, and to conduct post-arrest interviews.

“Now this donation is the latest example of the robust and productive cooperation between the United States government and the NDLEA. In 2024, the U.S. government invested half a million dollars to modernize and equip the chemical forensic laboratory at the NDLEA zonal office here in Lagos. That upgraded laboratory is now equipped with cutting-edge technology, which enhances the NDLEA’s capacity to analyze suspicious substances and to process evidence from crime scenes and suspects.

“Over the years, our joint efforts have helped to build the capacity of the Nigerian authorities to disrupt drug trafficking networks, to dismantle clandestine meth labs, and to conduct advanced forensic analysis of synthetic drugs. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the Nigerian government and its agencies as we continue to combat narcotics to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs, especially synthetic drugs, and that will better both of our societies.”

The event also paid tribute to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who played a key role in fostering U.S.-Nigeria relations during his tenure.

“It’s a principle deeply embraced by both of our nations. And one of our leaders who helped nurture this deep and enduring partnership between our two countries was former President Jimmy Carter, who, as noted, passed away on December 29th at age 100.

“President Carter was an extraordinary leader, and he dedicated his years in and out of office promoting peace, democracy, health, and human rights. And today, as is customary in the United States, his body is being drawn on a horse carriage to the U.S. Capitol to lie in state so that we can all respect the legacy that he has left for us. And President Carter was actually the first U.S. President to make a state visit to Nigeria,” Georg stated.