President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says Nigeria remains committed to tackling substance abuse and illicit trafficking through evidence-based, innovative interventions. Represented by AGF Lateef Fagbemi SAN at the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Abuja, Tinubu stressed that the evolving drug problem demands vigilance, adaptability, and collective action. He said government is matching demand reduction with supply disruption through stronger border management, port and airport surveillance, intelligence sharing, and investment in forensics, data, and the criminal justice system. He commended NDLEA under Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa Rtd. for arrests, seizures, convictions, forfeitures, and the dismantling of major cartels, including Nigeria’s largest meth lab, while urging families, schools, faith leaders, the media, and the private sector to play active roles.
NDLEA Chairman Marwa said the agency has intensified intelligence-led operations across airports, seaports, borders, and forests. In the last 18 months, NDLEA made 29,262 arrests, seized 5,305,484.88kg of illicit drugs worth over N1.5 trillion, and secured 5,225 convictions. He cited joint operations with the US-DEA, Greece, France, and Switzerland that dismantled the Amadi Simon cartel, and a cross-continental meth network that led to the arrest of a 63-year-old Nigerian baron, three Mexicans, and six Nigerians, plus the shutdown of an industrial meth lab in Tapa, Oyo State. On demand reduction, Marwa noted 6,645 WADA sensitization programmes reaching nearly 5 million people, and the treatment of 13,508 users across 31 rehab centres. He also flagged tech upgrades, deep-web intelligence, forensic improvements, and Africa’s first Alternative Development Programme to give cannabis growers licit crop options under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speakers at the event urged sustained collective action. UNODC Country Rep Chiekh Touré, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, praised Nigeria’s balanced supply and demand approach and reaffirmed UNODC’s support. UI’s Prof. Oluwatoyin Odeku said “celebration fuels courage” and noted clear progress since NDLEA’s 2021 re-energizing. The event also honored winners of NDLEA’s inter-secondary school essay competition, with Ikpeamachi Jennifer of FGC Enugu taking first prize. Other stakeholders present included representatives of the Senate, House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Kwara First Lady Amb. Olufolake Abdulrasaq, FCTA, MTN Foundation, NACA, and NAFDAC.
