ABUJA — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, is changing tactics in the fight against narcotics, with Chairman/Chief Executive Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) directing investigators to target the money behind the trade. Speaking at a capacity building programme in Abuja on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Marwa said seizing drugs and arresting couriers is not enough if the financiers, proceeds and assets remain untouched.
He urged officers to develop skills in financial investigation, asset tracing, cryptocurrency analysis and forfeiture to dismantle criminal enterprises. According to him, drug cartels now hide illicit wealth through complex companies, digital currencies and legitimate businesses, making cross-agency cooperation essential. Marwa called for unity across NDLEA directorates and stronger partnerships with EFCC, ICPC, NFIU and the judiciary, noting that drug trafficking overlaps with money laundering, cybercrime and arms trafficking. He also stressed transparency in the management of seized assets to protect public trust and the value of recoveries.
In a goodwill message, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, represented by Justice Inyang Ekwo, praised NDLEA’s progress under Marwa. He said collaboration between the Federal High Court and law enforcement agencies will enhance Nigeria’s reputation in global law enforcement. The Chief Judge described the training as critical given the evolving nature of drug crimes, and expressed optimism that it will equip investigators to follow the money, secure convictions and deprive traffickers of the profits that fuel their operations.
