The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called for stronger global collaboration to confront the escalating threat of drug trafficking and substance abuse.
NDLEA stressed that the fight must be treated as “a shared responsibility” by governments, security institutions, and communities worldwide.
Speaking at the 7th Security and Emergency Management Awards and Conference (SAEMA 2025) in Abuja, the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), said; “Nigeria’s experience shows how drug-related crimes are deeply connected to both national and international security.”
Marwa explained that the agency would intensify its two-pronged strategy of aggressive interdiction and compassionate rehabilitation during his second tenure, warning that drug control cannot rely on enforcement alone.
Marwa said; “The task before us which is securing our nation is a shared responsibility.
“All security agencies, emergency responders, and civil society partners are working towards the same goal: a safe, stable, and prosperous Nigeria.”
He praised the SAEMA 2025 theme, “Drug Control and National Security: Innovations for a Safer Tomorrow,” describing it as a timely contribution to global discussions, given the transnational operations of drug cartels and trafficking networks.
Reviewing NDLEA’s progress, Marwa highlighted major achievements recorded in the first 10 months of 2025, noting that operations conducted at borders, airports, seaports and deep forest regions are delivering “gratifying results.”
He said “the agency’s intelligence-led operations and international partnerships are crucial in disrupting drug supply pipelines, dismantling criminal networks, and preventing narcotics from crossing borders into communities.”
Beyond enforcement, Marwa reinforced the importance of the NDLEA’s nationwide advocacy campaign, the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), which aims to curb demand by educating citizens and shifting public attitudes.
He said: “Drug abuse is not a private vice but a national menace.
“We have reached every corner of the country with our awareness campaigns.”
Marwa said that treatment and rehabilitation remain critical, noting that the NDLEA operates 30 rehabilitation centres nationwide and is expanding these through partnerships with state governments, NGOs, and international allies.
Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, praised Marwa’s leadership, saying NDLEA’s efforts are vital to protecting Nigeria’s youth.
Rafsanjani said; “Every day we hear drugs being intercepted. The incredible amount of work that Gen. Marwa is doing for this country cannot be overstated,” he said. “You cannot detach drug abuse from the security challenges in this country.”
Other speakers, including representatives of the Centre for Crisis Communication, The Director of Image Merchants Promotion Ltd, and PRNigeria, Dr. Yushau Shuaib, echoed the need for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration.
The event also featured the unveiling of the book Anti-Drug, Anti-Smuggling Campaigns: A Corpers’ Chronicle and recognition of outstanding individuals and organisations.
Awardees included Voice of Nigeria correspondent Rahila Lassa, named Humanitarian Journalist of the Year; Brig Gen Buba Marwa, recognised as Outstanding Personality of the Year; Femi Babafemi, honored as Outstanding Crisis Communicator of the Year; and several agencies—including the Nigerian Army, Air Force, DSS, EFCC, ICPC, and NCoS—for their contributions to national security.
Olusola Akintonde