NDLEA seized 14.8m kg of illicit drugs, arrested 77,859 in five years – Marwa

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Buba Marwa, has disclosed that the agency arrested 77,859 suspects and seized over 14.8 million kilograms of illicit drugs in the last five years.

The NDLEA boss made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking at the signing of Executive Orders on the campaign against drug abuse and mass mobilisation for societal reorientation by Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi.

In his address at the occasion, held on Tuesday at the Council Chamber, Government House, Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, the chairman who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the agency said “I stand before this distinguished audience gathered here today not merely to inaugurate a committee, but to fortify a frontline in the battle for the soul of our youths and the stability of our nation.”

The NDLEA boss warned that drug abuse is fueling insecurity and economic sabotage across the country.

“Let us be clear, drug abuse is the silent pandemic fueling the insecurity and economic sabotage we face today. It erodes the productivity of our greatest asset, our youth,” Marwa said.

He highlighted that the agency has moved from reactive to offensive operations, recording major gains between 2021 and 2025.

“Between January 2021 and December 2025, our balanced approach has yielded unprecedented results with 77,859 arrests, including 240 high-profile drug barons who thought they were untouchable.

“Over 14.8 million kilograms of illicit substances were intercepted while 14,122 convictions were secured within the period,” proving that the era of impunity is over.

“In the same vein, over 50,000 individuals have been counselled and rehabilitated across 31 of our treatment centres nationwide, moving from the darkness of dependence to the light of productivity,” Marwa stated.

He commended the Jigawa State Government for taking proactive steps against drug abuse and insecurity.

“Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Umar Namadi, Jigawa is proving that proactive governance is the best antidote to social malaise,” he stated.

Also, the chairman described the inauguration of the State Task Force as a “Jigawa Model of Excellence” and urged other states to emulate the initiative.

“I call upon other State Governments across the Federation to look toward Dutse today and emulate this strategic blueprint for domesticating the war against drug abuse,” he said.

On the leadership of the new task force, Marwa praised the appointment of CN Ibrahim Braji (retd.) as Coordinator.

“The appointment of CN Ibrahim Braji (Rtd) as Coordinator is a masterstroke. Having served as an NDLEA State Commander, he brings a veteran’s perspective and a strategist’s precision,” Marwa noted.

He charged the Coordinator to provide transformative leadership in the fight against drugs in the state.

“To the Coordinator: your track record precedes you, and we expect nothing less than transformative leadership,” he added.

Accordingly, the NDLEA Chairman said the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative has reached over five million Nigerians with prevention messages.

“Through our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, we haven’t just cleared the streets, we have cleared minds,” he said.

He therefore noted that while the North West has a drug prevalence rate of about 12%, Jigawa stands at 7%, but warned against complacency.

“Data tells us that the North West faces a drug prevalence rate of roughly 12%. Yet, Jigawa stands at 7%. Let us not mistake a lower percentage for a permanent shield.

“This Task Force is a preemptive strike. It is about ensuring that the 7% does not climb, but instead drops toward zero. We are therefore here to protect the ‘Jigawa Advantage,’” he stated.

In his remarks, Governor Umar Namadi said the two signed Executive Orders are intended to protect the future of Jigawa youths.

“I am delighted that we are gathered today for this significant event in our collective effort to protect the promise of our young people and renew the moral strength of our communities,” Governor Namadi said.

“We are especially honoured by the presence of our Special Guest, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), whose presence and keynote address reinforce the seriousness of the cause before us,” the governor said.

Namadi explained further that the Orders align with his administration’s 12-Point Agenda to tackle drug abuse and promote civic values.

“The two Executive Orders directly address these commitments: one establishes a structured campaign against drug abuse. The other promotes patriotism, honesty, discipline, respect for the law and civic responsibility,” he stated.

The governor said the August 2024 protests showed how idle and misguided youths can be drawn into violence, adding that “the violence recorded in many States, including Jigawa, exposed how easily young people can be drawn into destructive conduct when frustration, misinformation and idleness converge.”

He noted that with over 60% of Nigerians under age 30, the youth must be properly guided to avoid becoming a burden.

“A youthful population is a powerful asset only when it is educated, skilled, healthy and morally grounded. A major threat is drug and substance abuse,” the governor warned.

In a vote of thanks, the Jigawa State Coordinator of the newly inaugurated Task Force, CN Ibrahim Braji (Rtd), pledged total commitment.

Braji said the Task Force will work with communities, traditional and religious leaders to identify drug hotspots and provide support for victims.

He assured that the mandate is operational and not symbolic, adding that offenders will face the law while those seeking help will be treated with compassion.