The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 14,480 suspected drug traffickers and seized 2.4 million kilograms of illicit drugs between January and October 2024, according to its Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd).
Marwa disclosed this on December 4, 2024, while briefing the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs during their oversight visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. He highlighted the agency’s achievements, noting that the arrests included 15 high-profile drug barons and led to 2,867 convictions.
“Our seizures this year have already surpassed last year’s record. We also destroyed 547,378 kilograms of cannabis plantations and rehabilitated 6,655 drug users,” Marwa stated. He emphasized that the NDLEA conducted 3,064 sensitization campaigns, reaching over 1.3 million people nationwide.
Key milestones in 2024 included the agency’s largest heroin seizure—51.9 kilograms—at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in February, arrests of notorious drug barons, and the passage of the NDLEA Act amendment bill.
Marwa urged lawmakers to continue their support, emphasizing that with adequate funding, the agency could further enhance its operations. “We have made significant progress, but with more resources, we can fully achieve our objectives and make Nigeria safer from the scourge of illicit drugs,” he said.
In response, Hon. Abass Adigun, Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, praised the NDLEA for its dedication and assured continued legislative support to improve funding, modernize equipment, and enhance the working conditions for the agency’s personnel.
