NDLEA records 18,500 arrests, 2.6 million kg drug seizures in 2024

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday justified its global support with tremendous successes, including the seizure of 2.6 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs and the arrest of 18,500 drug trafficking offenders in 2024.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the anti-drug agency, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed this at the commissioning of a central exhibit office donated by the United States Government to the NDLEA at the agency’s headquarters annex in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The facility was handed over to the NDLEA boss by the U.S. Consul General, Ms. Jo Ellen Georg, supported by other senior U.S. officials.

While commending the United States Government as a reliable ally in Nigeria’s renewed efforts to combat drug-related crimes, Marwa said the continued collaboration with the U.S. has been infinite, bolstering and enhancing NDLEA’s operational capabilities.

He noted that the steady operational successes recorded by the anti-narcotic body in its drug supply and demand reduction efforts continue to justify the support and assistance it receives from the United States Government, other partners, and stakeholders.

He said that despite the agency’s improved performance, “we recognise that the war against drug trafficking and abuse is far from over. As an organisation, we are committed to surmounting the challenges.”

The NDLEA boss said that, notwithstanding the challenges, tremendous successes have been recorded on all fronts against the drug menace.

He said, “So far, the results have been justifying. In 2024, we seized over 2.6 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs.

“Across the country, we arrested more than 18,500 drug trafficking offenders. We secured over 3,250 convictions, including 10 drug barons, and destroyed more than 220 hectares of cannabis farms.

“In the same breath, we counselled and rehabilitated over 8,200 individuals, while conducting more than 3,000 sensitisation and advocacy programmes across the country in schools, markets, motor parks, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others, thus creating an equipoise between our drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.”

While calling for continuous support and more collaboration from the U.S. Government and other partners, Marwa said the challenges of illicit drugs are dynamic and multifaceted, requiring continuous partnership and innovation.

“That is why we are pragmatic in our unending quest for further support from our international partners, key stakeholders, and public-spirited persons. We seek intervention in critical areas such as capacity building and enhanced training for our officers, provision of technology and equipment—especially for advanced surveillance and tracking, intelligence and information sharing, and provision of operational logistics,” he added.

He commended the American people for their support and magnanimity over the years.
He specifically thanked the U.S. DEA attaché in Nigeria, Mr. Robert Bascoe, whose untiring efforts and commitment made the donation and several others a reality. He also expressed gratitude to the United States Africa Command and the U.S. Embassy for their invaluable partnership.

In her remarks, the U.S. Acting Consul General, Ms. Jo Ellen Georg, said the cornerstone of the relationship between Nigeria and the U.S. is premised on the vibrancy of democracy.

“It’s a principle deeply embraced by both of our nations. And one of our leaders who helped nurture this deep and enduring partnership between our two countries was former President Jimmy Carter, who, as noted, passed away on December 29 at age 100.

“President Carter was an extraordinary leader, and he dedicated his years in and out of office to promoting peace, democracy, health, and human rights. Today, as is customary in the United States, his body is being drawn on a horse carriage to the U.S. Capitol to lie in state so that we can all pay our respects to the legacy he has left for us. President Carter was actually the first U.S. President to make a state visit to Nigeria,” she added.

She noted the significance of the support the U.S. Government has been providing for the NDLEA while commending Marwa for leveraging such partnerships to achieve tremendous results for Nigeria in the fight against illicit drugs.

According to her, the efforts to fight drug trafficking in Nigeria and across the West African region have succeeded because we share the same objective of countering crime, illegal drugs, and instability.