The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has defended the agency’s strategy of targeting the assets of drug barons and traffickers.
Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja Femi Babafemi, said this announcement was made during a press conference in Abuja to inaugurate weeklong activities marking the 2024 International Day Against Drugs and Illicit Trafficking, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Marwa explained that the NDLEA’s offensive, initiated in January 2021, has been successful in arresting and prosecuting numerous traffickers. Recent legislation, like the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA 2022), has enabled the agency to confiscate assets linked to drug crimes. This approach not only aims for convictions but also ensures that the proceeds from these crimes are forfeited to the federal government.
Highlighting the agency’s preventive measures, Marwa emphasized the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, which promotes a societal approach to preventing drug abuse. This aligns with the 2024 World Drug Day theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” underscoring the importance of preventative efforts to combat drug abuse.
The weeklong World Drug Day events include a series of activities aimed at raising awareness and fostering community involvement. Key events include:
- A Juma’at service at the National Mosque on June 21.
- A Walk Against Drugs in collaboration with MTN on June 22.
- A thanksgiving church service at the National Christian Centre on June 23.
- The grand finale of a secondary school essay competition on June 24.
- NGO Day and market outreach activities on June 24 and 25.
- The main World Drug Day commemoration at the State House Conference Centre on June 26.
UNODC Country Deputy Representative, Mr. Danilo Campisi, called for increased investment in preventive measures to combat the projected 40% rise in drug use by 2030. He highlighted successful collaborations with the Nigerian government on evidence-based prevention programs like UNPLUGGED, a school-based drug prevention initiative.
Marwa and Campisi both acknowledged the crucial support from various stakeholders, including international partners like the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the British Border Force, as well as local agencies and the media.
