Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment To End Drug Abuse As NDLEA Seizes ₦1.5 Trillion Worth Of Illicit Drugs

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking through innovative, evidence-based strategies, saying Nigeria will continue to strengthen efforts to protect citizens and dismantle criminal drug networks.

The President pledged earlier today, June 26 in Abuja at the grand finale of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. He was represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

Speaking on this year’s theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” Tinubu said the ever-changing nature of drug trafficking demands constant vigilance, stronger collaboration and modern approaches.

He warned that the impact of illicit drugs extends beyond users, disrupting families, schools, workplaces and national security.

“My administration remains committed to creating an environment in which young Nigerians can thrive and succeed. Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are expanding access to education, promoting skills development, supporting entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities and implementing social interventions that address some of the underlying factors that make individuals vulnerable to substance abuse and criminal recruitment,” he said.

The President added that demand reduction must be backed by tougher action against drug supply through tighter border security, enhanced surveillance at ports and airports, improved intelligence gathering and stronger cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.

He stressed the importance of science, technology and data in combating evolving drug markets, saying Nigeria must continue to strengthen forensic laboratories and research capabilities to identify new drugs and precursor chemicals.

Tinubu also praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and its Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), for sustained successes against drug cartels.

“This is a fitting occasion for me to convey my strong commendation to the officers, men and leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency under the able leadership of Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), CON, OFR,” he said.

He credited the agency with increased arrests, seizures, convictions, multi-billion naira forfeitures, rehabilitation programmes and the dismantling of organised trafficking syndicates, including operators of what was described as Nigeria’s largest methamphetamine laboratory.

Tinubu, however, insisted the fight could not be won by government alone, urging parents, schools, religious leaders, traditional rulers, the media and the private sector to support prevention, rehabilitation and job creation efforts.

Earlier, NDLEA Chairman Marwa said the agency had intensified intelligence-led operations against sophisticated drug syndicates operating within and outside Nigeria.

He disclosed that collaborative operations involving the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and authorities in Greece, France and Switzerland led to the dismantling of the notorious Amadi Simon drug cartel.

Marwa also highlighted the arrest of 63-year-old drug baron Innocent Anochili, three Mexican nationals and six Nigerian accomplices, describing it as a major blow against an international methamphetamine network.

He said another industrial-scale clandestine meth laboratory was uncovered in Tapa village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State, where a Mexican national and four others were arrested.

According to him, NDLEA has arrested 234 major drug barons over the past five years, significantly weakening organised trafficking operations across the country.

Providing recent operational figures, Marwa said the agency recorded 29,262 arrests in the last 18 months, seized 5,305,484.88 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs valued at more than N1.5 trillion, and secured 5,225 convictions.

“These numbers represent more than just data; they represent millions of lives saved, billions of naira in criminal wealth confiscated, and a future reclaimed for our youths,” he said.

Marwa noted that enforcement alone would not solve the problem, adding that the agency had expanded its Drug Demand Reduction programmes nationwide.

He said the War Against Drug Abuse campaign had delivered 6,645 sensitisation programmes across schools, worship centres, workplaces, markets, motor parks, correctional facilities and communities, reaching nearly five million Nigerians.

He added that 13,508 drug users had received counselling, treatment and rehabilitation across the agency’s 31 rehabilitation centres during the same period.

What the Data is saying about NDLEA’s drug war

The NDLEA chairman also announced plans to deepen the use of technology, advanced data analytics and deep-web intelligence to detect emerging drug threats while strengthening forensic and chemical analysis capabilities.

He highlighted the agency’s Alternative Development Programme, the first of its kind in Africa, aimed at helping illicit cannabis farmers switch to legitimate crops such as cassava, maize, cowpeas and cocoa.

Also speaking, Professor Oluwatoyin Odeku of the University of Ibadan said Nigeria had made remarkable progress in the fight against illicit drugs over the past five years.

“When NDLEA was re-energised in 2021, many thought the drug war was unwinnable. Today, the data tells a different story, and we have reasons to celebrate,” she said.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime also commended the Federal Government for adopting a balanced approach that combines supply reduction with prevention, treatment and respect for human rights.

The event also featured the presentation of prizes to winners of the NDLEA inter-secondary school essay competition.

Ikpeamachi Jennifer of Federal Government College, Enugu won the first prize of ₦500,000 and a trophy, while Aliyu Kama of General Murtala Muhammed College, Yola received ₦300,000 for second place. Chiagoziem Ikechukwu of Mimshak Academy, Mbawsi, Abia State claimed the third prize of ₦200,000 and a trophy.