The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) commemorated the 2026 World Drug Day with a renewed call for collective action against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, bringing together security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and media practitioners under the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
Welcoming participants on behalf of the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), the Strategic Commander of the MMIA Command, Ahmed Mohammed Tukur, described the annual observance as an opportunity for governments, institutions, communities and individuals to reaffirm their commitment to building a drug-free society.
He noted that the year’s theme reflects the rapidly evolving nature of the global drug problem, stressing that criminal networks continue to adopt sophisticated methods for drug trafficking and distribution. He added that the NDLEA has continued to strengthen its’ operational strategies with innovative countermeasures to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Highlighting the command’s operational achievements over the past six months, Tukur disclosed that the MMIA Strategic Command intercepted more than nine tonnes of assorted illicit drugs, arrested 260 suspects and secured the successful prosecution and conviction of 101 drug offenders. He attributed these successes to the sustained collaboration between the NDLEA, sister security agencies, the media and other strategic partners, while expressing optimism that stronger partnerships would further advance the campaign against drug abuse.
Speaking on the role of freight forwarding agents in combating drug trafficking, President and Founder of the Meljenstin Youth Empowerment Initiative, Hon. Ambassador Chibuzor Patrick Osigwe, commended the NDLEA for its’ sustained efforts in public awareness, enforcement and prosecution. She urged professionals across all sectors to embrace their responsibility as positive role models within their workplaces, families and communities, emphasizing that the fight against drug abuse requires collective moral leadership.
Delivering the keynote address on the event’s theme, retired Assistant Controller-General of Narcotics, Ibiba Odili, praised the officers and personnel of the MMIA Command for their resilience and dedication. She traced the history of World Drug Day and examined the growing complexities of the global drug challenge, warning that Nigeria’s youthful population remains particularly vulnerable.
She observed that with young people constituting about 70 per cent of the country’s population, protecting them through sustained awareness campaigns and preventive measures is essential to safeguarding the nation’s future. She also highlighted the rising prevalence of substance abuse, noting that economic hardship, population growth, stigma and mental health challenges continue to fuel the problem. She called for deliberate policies, stronger partnerships and sustained public education to address the evolving drug landscape and secure a healthier society.
