The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has achieved remarkable success in its fight against drug trafficking and abuse in 2024, with 18,500 arrests and over 3,250 convictions, including 10 high-profile drug barons.
Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), announced these achievements during the commissioning of a central exhibit office donated by the U.S. government at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos. He revealed that the agency seized over 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs, destroyed 220 hectares of cannabis farms, and rehabilitated over 8,200 individuals while conducting over 3,000 sensitization programs across the country.
Marwa praised the consistent support from the United States government, describing it as instrumental to the NDLEA’s operational success. The newly donated office will strengthen evidence management, enhancing transparency and accountability in prosecuting drug-related crimes.
U.S. Consul General Jo Ellen Georg, during the event, highlighted the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the U.S., citing joint investments in forensic laboratories, intelligence sharing, and training programs to combat drug trafficking.
Marwa reiterated the agency’s commitment to addressing the dynamic challenges of drug-related crimes, calling for continuous international collaboration, capacity building, and advanced surveillance tools to sustain progress. He pledged accountability and effective utilization of resources, emphasizing the shared goal of promoting safer communities.
