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The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, has said that the agency arrested 77,859 drug suspects, including 240 alleged drug barons, and seized more than 14.8 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs between January 2021 and December 2025.
Marwa disclosed this on Tuesday during the signing of Executive Orders on the campaign against drug abuse and mass mobilisation for societal reorientation by Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, at the Government House in Dutse.
He said the agency had shifted from a reactive approach to an offensive strategy in tackling drug trafficking and abuse, resulting in significant operational gains over the past five years.
According to him, the NDLEA also secured 14,122 convictions during the period, demonstrating that the era of impunity for drug traffickers was coming to an end.
Marwa warned that drug abuse has become a major driver of insecurity and economic sabotage, saying it continues to undermine the productivity of Nigeria’s youth.
He added that more than 50,000 people had received counselling and rehabilitation through the agency’s 31 treatment centres across the country, while its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign had reached over five million Nigerians with preventive messages.
“Let us be clear, drug abuse is the silent pandemic fueling the insecurity and economic sabotage we face today. It erodes the productivity of our greatest asset, our youth,” Marwa said.
“Between January 2021 and December 2025, our balanced approach has yielded unprecedented results with 77,859 arrests, including 240 high-profile drug barons who thought they were untouchable.
“Over 14.8 million kilograms of illicit substances were intercepted while 14,122 convictions were secured within the period,” proving that the era of impunity is over.
“In the same vein, over 50,000 individuals have been counselled and rehabilitated across 31 of our treatment centres nationwide, moving from the darkness of dependence to the light of productivity,” Marwa stated.
The NDLEA chairman commended the Jigawa State Government for establishing a State Task Force on drug abuse, describing the initiative as a model other states should emulate.
Marwa also praised the appointment of retired Commodore Ibrahim Braji as coordinator of the task force, expressing confidence in his ability to provide effective leadership in the state’s anti-drug campaign.
While noting that the North-West has an estimated drug prevalence rate of about 12 percent, Marwa said Jigawa’s rate stood at seven percent, urging the state not to become complacent but to work towards reducing the figure further.
“Data tells us that the North West faces a drug prevalence rate of roughly 12%. Yet, Jigawa stands at 7%. Let us not mistake a lower percentage for a permanent shield.
“This Task Force is a preemptive strike. It is about ensuring that the 7% does not climb, but instead drops toward zero. We are therefore here to protect the ‘Jigawa Advantage,’” he stated.
Governor Namadi in his remarks said the two Executive Orders were designed to protect the future of young people in the state and align with his administration’s 12-point development agenda.
He explained that one order establishes a structured campaign against drug abuse, while the other promotes patriotism, discipline, honesty, respect for the law and civic responsibility.
“I am delighted that we are gathered today for this significant event in our collective effort to protect the promise of our young people and renew the moral strength of our communities,” Governor Namadi said.
“We are especially honoured by the presence of our Special Guest, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), whose presence and keynote address reinforce the seriousness of the cause before us,” he added.
The governor said the violence witnessed during the August 2024 protests showed how frustration, misinformation and idleness could make young people vulnerable to destructive behaviour.
Namadi stressed that Nigeria’s youthful population could only become a national asset if it was educated, skilled, healthy and morally grounded, identifying drug abuse as one of the biggest threats facing the country’s youth.
