Marwa: NDLEA arrested over 18,500 suspected drug traffickers in 2024

Buba Marwa, the chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says operatives of the agency arrested over 18,500 suspected drug traffickers and seized 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs in 2024.

Marwa spoke in Lagos on Tuesday during the inauguration of the NDLEA central exhibit office.

The US government donated the NDLEA central exhibit office located at the agency’s headquarters annex in Ikoyi.

Marwa said the steady operational successes being recorded by the agency in its drug supply and demand reduction efforts were attributable to the support given to it by the US government and other partners.

“Today, I am particularly pleased to acknowledge one of such gestures, namely the donation of the office for our central exhibit custodians,” he said.

“This donation acknowledges the critical need for efficient and secure handling of evidence, which is essential for the successful prosecution of drug-related cases.

“This contribution will not only strengthen our operational framework but also set a new standard for accountability and transparency in drug law enforcement.

“It is an investment in the security and the future of our nations.”

Marwa said in spite of the agency’s improved performance, its personnel recognised that the war against drug trafficking and abuse is far from being over.

“As an organisation, we are committed to surmounting the challenges,” he said.

The NDLEA chairman noted that tremendous successes had been recorded on all fronts against the drug menace despite many challenges.

“So far, the results have been justifying. In 2024, we seized over 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs across the country,” he said.

“We arrested more than 18,500 drug trafficking offenders and got over 3,250 convicted, including 10 drug barons, with more than 220 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed.

“While in the same breath, we counselled and rehabilitated over 8,200 drug abusers.

“We organised more than 3,000 sensitisation and advocacy programmes across the country in schools, markets, motor parks, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others.”