The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to strengthen the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) because of its strategic value to the nation’s security architecture.
Ribadu stated this at the commissioning of 46 new vehicles for NDLEA’s strategic commands and formations at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. He commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, and his team for their sustained commitment, discipline, and energy in transforming the NDLEA into a result-oriented force against illicit drugs.
“I commend the Chairman, General Mohamed Buba Marwa, for his discipline, commitment, and transformative leadership. Under his watch, NDLEA has become a result-oriented force addressing the grave threats posed by illicit drugs that undermine our national security, social stability, and public health,” Ribadu said.
“This event is not just about commissioning vehicles. Without the mobility to swiftly reach danger points, intercept traffickers and move resources where they are most needed, our fight is severely constrained.
The link between drug trafficking and insecurity is systemic. Criminal gangs thrive on drug profits. Insurgents and armed groups fund their activities with it. Countless young Nigerians fall victim to addiction, with devastating consequences for families and communities,” he added.
Ribadu said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritises drug control as a pillar of national security strategy. “The President’s unwavering support through funding, inter-agency cooperation, and policy alignment has directly enabled today’s milestone,” he noted.
He pledged full backing for the NDLEA, saying the vehicles would boost operational presence, strengthen deterrence, and ensure no trafficker escapes justice. He urged officers to view the commissioning as a call to action — to do more, remain vigilant, act within the law, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
“The NDLEA is not only building lives, but also restoring dignity and shaping national policy. Use these resources responsibly, act within the law, and remain vigilant,” Ribadu said.
In his welcome address, Marwa said the event reflected both the government’s commitment to equipping frontline institutions and the NDLEA’s transformation into a respected and effective agency.
“Today’s event is a milestone, as NDLEA is now counted among a distinguished group of security and drug law enforcement agencies around the world that are not only visible in their operations but equally respected and making impacts,” Marwa said.
He thanked President Tinubu for his strategic support, noting that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, national stability, institutional reform, and the safety of Nigerian lives remain top priorities.
Marwa highlighted that in the past two years, NDLEA arrested 40,887 drug offenders, including 45 drug barons, seized over 5.5 million kilograms of illicit substances, destroyed 704.445 hectares of cannabis farms, and secured 8,682 convictions.
“Equally important is the fact that 24,173 drug users have been treated and rehabilitated, while 8,698 sensitisation activities were carried out nationwide. These clearly create a fair balance between our drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts,” he said.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, praised Tinubu for enabling NDLEA’s achievements, saying: “Without an understanding President, it would be very difficult to have this type of gathering today. Whenever we are asked to showcase our report card, I’m very quick to say put NDLEA first.”
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, also commended NDLEA’s resilience, describing the vehicle procurement as a “significant boost to the agency’s operational response capability and overall effectiveness in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.”
Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, congratulated Tinubu for appointing Marwa, describing NDLEA as “an example for other agencies of government” in due process and operational standards.
A total of 38 SUVs were distributed to zonal, strategic, and state commands, while 10 sedan cars went to NDLEA’s directorates. Fifteen newly promoted Commanders of Narcotics were also decorated with their new rank of Assistant Commander General of Narcotics at the ceremony.
PIAK