The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking and abuse, citing ongoing support from the United States government and other international partners as instrumental to its success.
Marwa spoke on Tuesday during the commissioning of a central exhibit office donated by the U.S. government at the NDLEA’s headquarters annex in Ikoyi, Lagos. The facility was handed over by U.S. Consulate General Jo Ellen Georg, alongside senior U.S. officials.
“This donation acknowledges the critical need for efficient and secure handling of evidence, essential for successful drug-related prosecutions,” Marwa stated. “It strengthens our operational framework and sets a new standard for accountability and transparency in drug law enforcement.”
Highlighting the agency’s successes, Marwa disclosed that in 2024, the NDLEA seized over 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs, arrested more than 18,500 offenders, including 10 drug barons, and secured over 3,250 convictions. Additionally, over 220 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed, while 8,200 individuals received counseling and rehabilitation.
“These results justify the support we receive,” he said. “However, the war against drugs is far from over. Continuous collaboration and innovation are essential to overcome the dynamic challenges of illicit drugs.”
Marwa called for further support from international partners in areas such as advanced surveillance technology, officer training, intelligence sharing, and logistics. “Every contribution strengthens our resolve and inspires resilience among our workforce,” he added, commending the U.S. for its longstanding partnership.
U.S. Acting Consul General Jo Ellen Georg emphasized the shared objective of combating drug trafficking and promoting stability. She noted that the newly donated facility would enhance NDLEA’s ability to conduct investigations and post-arrest processes securely.
“This donation is a testament to the robust cooperation between the U.S. government and NDLEA,” Georg said. She also highlighted previous investments, including $500,000 in 2024 to modernize the NDLEA’s chemical forensic laboratory in Lagos.
“Our joint efforts have disrupted drug trafficking networks, dismantled clandestine meth labs, and enhanced forensic analysis,” she added. “We look forward to deepening our collaboration to combat narcotics and disrupt the flow of synthetic drugs.”
Marwa thanked the U.S. government, particularly DEA attaché Robert Bascoe, for their commitment to Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts, pledging the NDLEA’s continued dedication to transparency and accountability.
