NDLEA made 18,500 arrests, 2.6mkg drug seizures in 2024

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has justified its global support with 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 of Officers of the anti-drug agency, Brig. Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed this at the commissioning of the central exhibit office donated by the United States Government to NDLEA at the agency’s headquarters annex in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The facility was handed over to the NDLEA boss by the U.S. Consulate General, Ms. Jo Ellen Georg, supported by other senior U.S. officials.
While commending the U.S. 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, bolstered and enhanced NDLEA’s operational capabilities.
He noted that the steady operational successes being recorded by the anti-narcotic body in its drug supply and demand reduction efforts will continue to justify the support and assistance it is getting from the U.S. government, other partners and stakeholders.
He said 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 notwithstanding the challenges, tremendous successes have been recorded on all fronts against the drug menace.
“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 also got over 3,250 convicted, including 10 drug barons, with more than 220 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed, while in the same breath counselled and rehabilitated over 8, 200, with more than 3,000 sensitisation and advocacy programmes organised 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, and, as such, require continuous partnership and innovation. He commended the American people for their support and magnanimity over the years.