Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. President Bola Tinubu gave the assurance on Friday in Abuja at the Presidential Villa during the grand finale of activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) revealed that in the last 18 months, it seized 5.3 million kilograms of illicit drugs valued at over N1.5 trillion.
President Tinubu was represented at the event by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). The President said the drug problem remains a major threat to national security and social stability. He noted that his administration is strengthening education, skills development, job creation, and social intervention programmes to reduce vulnerability, especially among young people.
President Tinubu stressed that government efforts are not limited to enforcement alone. They also focus on addressing root causes such as unemployment, lack of education, and social vulnerability among young people. He emphasized the importance of technology and data in modern drug control efforts. He called for stronger border management and closer coordination among security and regulatory agencies.
Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed the agency’s operational achievements. In the last 18 months, the agency recorded 29,262 arrests and secured 5,225 convictions. The agency seized 5.3 million kilograms of illicit drugs valued at over N1.5 trillion.
Marwa said the agency’s success was driven by intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration, and international partnerships. These efforts have led to the dismantling of major drug cartels across and beyond Nigeria’s borders. He added that the NDLEA has expanded its drug demand reduction programmes, reaching millions of Nigerians through sensitisation campaigns.
Thousands of drug users have received counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation support nationwide. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and other stakeholders commended Nigeria’s balanced approach. They urged sustained collaboration in tackling both drug supply and demand.
The NDLEA says it will continue to strengthen its operations through technology, forensic capacity, and community engagement. The agency aims to sustain the gains recorded in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse. Nigeria’s balanced approach of enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation serves as a model for other nations.
