NDLEA Records 77,792 Arrests and Major Seizures as Marwa Begins Second Term

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has revealed that the agency arrested 77,792 drug offenders and seized approximately 14,847 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs over the last five years.

Speaking on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, during the NDLEA Commands, Awards, and Commendations Ceremony in Abuja, Marwa highlighted these figures as evidence of the agency's success in disrupting both local and transnational drug networks. He noted that among those arrested were 128 high-profile drug barons who controlled major trafficking operations across Nigeria.

The ceremony also served as a moment of transition, as Marwa formally acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend his tenure for another five years. Marwa was first appointed to the role in January 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. His reappointment, which was announced in late 2025, will now see him lead the anti-narcotics agency until 2031.

Marwa described the extension as a "call for greater commitment" and warned that the next phase of operations would be even more "ruthless." He vowed that the agency would continue its proactive, intelligence-led approach until "every gram of illicit drug is removed from our streets."

Do you think the NDLEA's aggressive approach is the best way to handle Nigeria's drug problem, or should there be more focus on rehabilitation? Share your comments below!

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