By Muhammad Mamman
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confiscated 1.3 billion tramadol tablets and 4.4 million bottles of codeine between January 2024 and June 2025, according to the agency’s Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd).
Speaking at a two-day interactive plenary session in Kaduna on Tuesday, Marwa highlighted the scale of the seizures, noting that the street value of one billion tramadol tablets could approach one trillion naira. “Such funds could procure significant weaponry for terrorists or bandits, or imagine the impact of one billion tramadol tablets in circulation,” he remarked.
Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, the NDLEA has seized 5,555 tonnes of illicit drugs, equivalent to the load of 200 trailers, Marwa revealed.
He added that the agency has arrested 2,000 drug traffickers, secured 8,682 convictions, and rehabilitated over 24,000 individuals. The NDLEA has also intensified advocacy efforts, engaging motor parks, schools, religious institutions, and markets to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and substance misuse.
On rehabilitation, Marwa disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the establishment of seven additional rehabilitation centres, bringing the total to 37 nationwide. This ensures that every state in Nigeria will have at least one facility, with plans for a modern rehabilitation centre in each of the country’s geopolitical zones.
Marwa commended the proactive measures taken by the Kwara and Kaduna state governments in tackling drug misuse and urged other states to emulate their efforts.
He also called for broader societal involvement, stating, “Families must not rely solely on the President or the NDLEA to address drug misuse. It begins with responsible parenting and community engagement.”
To further combat the issue, Marwa advocated for the inclusion of drug and substance misuse education in primary school curricula and urged communities, traditional leaders, and religious institutions to actively participate in the fight against drug abuse.
He noted that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with its focus on tackling unemployment, poverty, and idleness, aligns with efforts to curb drug misuse across the nation.
