The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 77,859 suspects and seized more than 14.8 million kilograms of illicit drugs between January 2021 and December 2025, its chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), said on Tuesday.
Marwa spoke during the signing of two Executive Orders on a campaign against drug abuse and a mass mobilisation for societal reorientation by Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi at the Government House in Dutse.
“Our balanced approach has yielded unprecedented results,” Marwa said. “Between January 2021 and December 2025, we recorded 77,859 arrests, including 240 high‑profile drug barons. Over 14.8 million kilograms of illicit substances were intercepted and 14,122 convictions secured.”
He added that the agency has counselled and rehabilitated more than 50,000 people at 31 treatment centres nationwide, and that the NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative has reached over five million Nigerians with prevention 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, urging states to adopt Jigawa’s initiative.
Marwa described the inauguration of the state task force as a “Jigawa model of excellence” and praised the appointment of Commodore Ibrahim Braji (retd.) as coordinator, saying Braji’s experience as an NDLEA state commander will be valuable.
“If you look toward Dutse today, you will see a strategic blueprint for domesticating the war against drug abuse,” Marwa said. He tasked the new coordinator to provide “transformative leadership” in the fight against drugs.
Officials noted regional prevalence figures, saying the North West has a drug prevalence rate of about 12 percent, while Jigawa’s rate stands at about 7 percent. Marwa warned against complacency and described the task force as a “preemptive strike” to reduce the figure.
Governor Namadi said the two Executive Orders are part of his administration’s 12‑Point Agenda to tackle drug abuse and promote civic values. One order establishes a structured campaign against drug abuse; the other promotes patriotism, honesty, discipline, respect for the law and civic responsibility.
“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,” Namadi said. He warned that idle and misguided youths can be drawn into violence, citing protests in August 2024 as an example.
In a vote of thanks, CN Ibrahim Braji (retd.) pledged the task force’s total commitment, saying it will work with communities, and traditional and religious leaders to identify drug hotspots, support victims and prosecute offenders while treating those seeking help with compassion.
Photo: NDLEA boss Buba Marwa (left) with Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi after signing two Executive Orders at Government House, Dutse. Credit: Salisu Kabuga
