The Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has charged directors, commanders, and heads of formations to sustain the current momentum in the war against illicit substances by going all out to dismantle drug cartels and intensify sensitisation efforts across the country.
Marwa made the charge at a high-level annual review and planning meeting of top commanders from across the country, held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Addressing the commanders, Marwa said the agency had entered 2026 on a “strong footing,” building on what he described as record-breaking successes in previous years.
He stressed that the coming year would focus on unprecedented consolidation in both Drug Supply Reduction (DSR) and Drug Demand Reduction (DDR).
“The results we achieved last year were significant, but we cannot afford to rest on our oars,” Marwa declared.
“Our 2026 goals are clear: we are here to completely disrupt the financial lifelines of drug cartels and ensure that every community in Nigeria is sensitized against the scourge of substance abuse.”
Sustaining Momentum After Five Years
Reflecting on five years of reforms under his leadership, Marwa credited operational successes to officers in the field, noting that seizures, arrests, and convictions were the true measures of progress.
“While we acknowledge the achievements recorded during this period, we must not rest on our past successes. Rather, we must consolidate these gains and aim for even greater outcomes,” he said.
He added that the agency now enjoys greater respect locally and internationally, and linked the renewal of his tenure by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the collective performance of NDLEA personnel.
“Without seizures made, arrests affected, and convictions secured, there would be nothing to communicate to the public,” Marwa said, thanking officers for their “diligence, commitment, and hard work.”
Zero Tolerance And Professionalism
The NDLEA boss outlined strict operational expectations for 2026, emphasising discipline, professionalism, and zero tolerance for compromise.
“Operational professionalism and zero tolerance for compromise are non-negotiable,” he warned, urging commanders to prioritise thorough surveillance, planning, and officer safety, and to request reinforcements where capacity is limited.
Expanding Prevention And Community Engagement
Beyond enforcement, Marwa highlighted growing progress in advocacy and sensitisation, particularly in schools and communities, and ordered that these efforts be intensified nationwide.
He also directed that State Drug Control Committees must be fully functional in all 36 states, with activities extended to local government and ward levels.
“This year, all states must have functional committees,” he insisted.
Reassuring Nigerians, Marwa said the NDLEA remains “more committed than ever” to protecting youths and families, sending a clear warning to criminal networks.
The agency’s strong start to 2026, he said, signals to drug cartels that there will be no vacuum or breathing space for their illicit trade.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue sharing intelligence with authorities, stressing that the fight against drug abuse and trafficking is a collective responsibility.