Australia-bound cocaine in face cream bottles intercepted in Lagos
N1.1b codeine shipment in Rivers nabbed
A 40-foot trailer load of skunk, a strain of cannabis, weighing 2,217.6 kilogrammes, has been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The trailer was seized while distributing the drugs into six vehicles at an abandoned fuel station in Kagini, Kubwa, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for transportation to some Northern states.
Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, broke the news in a statement yesterday.
Babafemi said the operation, which took place at 1:20am last Saturday, led to the seizure of not only the large illicit consignment but also the trailer and six vehicles: Toyota Van, Toyota Camry car, Toyota Sienna bus, JAC 4-wheel-drive Hilux truck, Toyota Corolla car and a Vento Passat car as well as the arrest of a suspect: 42-year-old Isaac Monday Desmond.
He said the consignment was loaded into the trailer at Uzebba in Owan Local council area of Edo State.
In another raid in the FCT, two suspects: Anthony Nnamdi, 42, and Abba Ali, 27, were arrested by NDLEA officers at Nyanya, where a combined 1.398kg cocaine and a precursor substance used in preparing crack cocaine were recovered from them.
Babafemi also said: “No fewer than 20 wraps of cocaine weighing 330grams have been recovered from a cargo going to Australia at a logistics firm in Lagos by officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, in NDLEA. The cocaine parcels were concealed around the body of face cream containers in the shipment.
“A total of 338,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth more than N1,190,168,200 in street value, were intercepted in two containers watch-listed by the agency following processed intelligence.
“The illicit consignments were discovered during joint examination of the containers by NDLEA operatives, Customs and other security agencies on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th January 2025 at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers state.
“In Lagos, the traditional chief priest of the Igunuko shrine, Alpha beach Ajah-Lekki where 2,760kg skunk was recovered on 25th October 2024, Bariu Aliu (alias Malo) has been arrested by NDLEA operatives after over three months of manhunt for him. Though two of his accomplices were earlier arrested at the shrine last year and had since been charged and convicted in court, Bariu was said to be the leader of the syndicate.’’
The trailer was seized while distributing the drugs into six vehicles at an abandoned fuel station in Kagini, Kubwa area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja for onward distribution to some Northern states.Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed in a statement on Sunday.
Babafemi said the intelligence-led operation, which took place at 1:20am on Saturday 11th January 2025 led to the seizure of not only the large illicit consignment but also the trailer and the six vehicles: Toyota Van, Toyota Camry car, Toyota Sienna bus, JAC 4-wheel-drive Hilux truck, Toyota Corolla car and a Vento Passat car as well as the arrest of a suspect: 42-year-old Isaac Monday Desmond.
He said the consignment was loaded into the trailer at Uzebba in Owan local council area of Edo State.
“In another raid in the FCT, two suspects: Anthony Nnamdi, 42, and Abba Ali, 27, were arrested by NDLEA officers at Nyanya, where a combined 1.398kg cocaine and a precursor substance used in preparing crack cocaine were recovered from them.
“No fewer than 20 wraps of cocaine weighing 330grams have been recovered from a cargo going to Australia at a logistics firm in Lagos by officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, in NDLEA. The cocaine parcels were concealed around the body of face cream containers in the shipment.
“A total of Three Hundred and Thirty-Eight Thousand Two Hundred (338,200) bottles of codeine-based syrup worth more than One Billion One Hundred and Ninety Million One Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand Two Hundred Naira (N1,190,168,200.00) in street value, were intercepted in two containers watch-listed by the Agency following processed intelligence.
“The illicit consignments were discovered during joint examination of the containers by NDLEA operatives, Customs and other security agencies on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th January 2025 at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers state.
“In Lagos, the traditional chief priest of the Igunuko shrine, Alpha beach Ajah Lekki where 2,760kg skunk was recovered on 25th October 2024, Bariu Aliu (alias Malo) has been arrested by NDLEA operatives after over three months of manhunt for him. Though two of his accomplices were earlier arrested at the shrine last year and had since been charged and convicted in court, Bariu was said to be the leader of the syndicate.
“A suspect, Habibu Ya’u, 23, was nabbed by NDLEA officers who raided Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria road, Kano on Thursday 9th January where they recovered 45 blocks of cannabis weighing 24.2kg; and 40,800 pills of opioids including tramadol from him.
“With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.
“These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Ijaye Housing Estate Junior Secondary School, Lagos state; surrendered Boko Haram members at Hajj camp, Maiduguri, Borno state; Muslim faithful during their Juma’at prayer at Kamba Central Mosque, Kebbi state, while Kano state Command paid a WADA advocacy visit to the District Head of Danbatta, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar, among others.
“While commending the officers and men of DOGI, FCT, PHPC, Lagos, and Kano Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated,” he said.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) command in Cross River says 274 suspected drug dealers were arrested in the state in 2024.
The command said it also made a total seizure of 788.8kg of hard drugs within the period under review.
The state commandant, Rachael Umebuali made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Friday. She said that the command recorded success in some number of court cases filed within the period.
The commandant explained that the Cross River command secured a total of 38 convictions in 2024, and had a Toyota Previa bus forfeited to the federal government.
Speaking on the seized drugs, Umebuali said the figures were more than that recorded in 2023 and consisted of hemp, cocaine, meth, and heroin.
She bemoaned the rising cases of drug abuse among the youths, adding that vehicles and motorbikes are being used mostly by peddlers for transporting the banned substances.
“Our operations are hampered primarily by inadequate operational vehicles, inaccessible and bad roads, especially during the rainy season, cultism and communal crisis.
“While we are faced with paucity of funds, we also have challenges of inter agency cooperation, internal and external saboteurs and the unwillingness of host communities to cooperate with the agency in the area of information sharing.
“The command needs vehicles and other sundry logistics to be able to function optimally in the area of combating drugs trafficking in the state,” Umebuali said.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has pledged support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, particularly within the maritime corridors.
The NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), gave the pledge during a visit to NIMASA’s headquarters in Lagos.
NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, lauded the NDLEA’s efforts under Marwa’s leadership, which have brought tangible progress in combating drug-related crimes.
He expressed NIMASA’s readiness to collaborate with the NDLEA to enhance security at Nigeria’s ports and terminals.
“NIMASA is firmly committed to partnering the NDLEA to tackle the menace of drug trafficking, particularly through our nation’s ports and terminals. Together, we can ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain is not exploited for criminal activities,” Mobereola said.
Marwa acknowledged NIMASA’s strategic role in the maritime sector and stressed the need for inter-agency collaboration.
“As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, we recognise that this task requires collaboration with critical stakeholders like NIMASA,” he said.
He pointed out that maritime routes have become conduits for illegal drug shipments, stressing the NDLEA’s readiness to work closely with NIMASA.
“Recent seizures of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports underscore the need for joint efforts to secure our ports. Within the NDLEA, we have established a Marine Command to focus on this emerging threat,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA chair also proposed leveraging NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project to enhance maritime security and disrupt drug trafficking networks.
“We propose close collaboration between this unit and NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project, to enhance the protection of Nigeria’s maritime space,” he stated.
Mobereola assured Marwa that NIMASA would explore ways to integrate NDLEA personnel into its security operations under the Deep Blue Project. The initiative, which is a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Ministry of Defence, brings together multiple security agencies to strengthen maritime safety.
In addition, the NDLEA pledged to conduct sensitisation programmes for NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) on the dangers of drug abuse, further cementing their partnership.
A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State, has sentenced one Nuhu Isah to six months’ imprisonment for intimidating and instigating mob action against the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) patrol team.
The court also gave the defendant an option to pay a fine of N20,000 in lieu of serving the jail term.
In a statement, the FRSC spokesman, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, said the Chief Magistrate Mohammed Njidda handed down the sentence on Tuesday.
The statement said: “The defendant; a passer-by, had on 5th of January 2025 while recording FRSC Patrol team intimidated and further instigated passengers to mob the FRSC team who were conducting their lawful duty consequent upon which he was apprehended and taken to court.”
According to the statement, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, emphasised the need for road users to contribute their quota towards improving safety on the highway, rather than engaging in acts inimical to safer road use.
“The Corps Marshal also emphasised the unwavering commitment of the FRSC towards creating safety on all Nigerian Roads and further reiterated that FRSC staff cannot be deterred by threats from miscreants,” the statement said.
Brig. Gen. Marwa noted that the global maritime space had become a conduit for the illegal movement of drugs, and “we are keen to work with NIMASA to address this challenge”.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has pledged unwavering support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, particularly within the nation’s maritime corridors.
This resolve was emphasised during a courtesy visit by the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), to NIMASA’s headquarters in Lagos. The meeting highlighted both agencies’ shared commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways from illegal activities.
In his address, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, lauded the NDLEA’s relentless efforts under Marwa’s leadership, which he said has brought tangible progress in combating drug-related crimes.
“We are glad to welcome the NDLEA team, led by Brig. Gen. Marwa, whose exemplary leadership has brought significant progress in the fight against illicit drugs,” Mobereola stated.
He further expressed NIMASA’s readiness to collaborate with the NDLEA to enhance security at Nigeria’s ports and terminals.
“NIMASA is firmly committed to partnering with the NDLEA to tackle the menace of drug trafficking, particularly through our nation’s ports and terminals. Together, we can ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain is not exploited for criminal activities,” Mobereola said.
Marwa, in his response, acknowledged NIMASA’s strategic role in the maritime sector and stressed the need for inter-agency collaboration.
“As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, we recognise that this task requires collaboration with critical stakeholders like NIMASA,” he said.
He pointed out that maritime routes have increasingly become conduits for illegal drug shipments, stressing the NDLEA’s readiness to work closely with NIMASA.
“Recent seizures of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports underscore the need for joint efforts to secure our ports. Within the NDLEA, we have established a Marine Command to focus on this emerging threat,” Marwa disclosed.
The NDLEA Chairman also proposed leveraging NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project to enhance maritime security and disrupt drug trafficking networks.
“We propose close collaboration between this unit and NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project, to enhance the protection of Nigeria’s maritime space,” he stated.
Mobereola assured Marwa that NIMASA would explore ways to integrate NDLEA personnel into its security operations under the Deep Blue Project. The initiative, which is a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Ministry of Defence, brings together multiple security agencies to strengthen maritime safety.
In addition, the NDLEA pledged to conduct sensitisation programmes for NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) on the dangers of drug abuse, further cementing their partnership.
The visit concluded with both agencies reiterating their commitment to a unified strategy against drug trafficking in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has pledged unwavering support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, particularly within the nation’s maritime corridors.
This resolve was emphasised during a courtesy visit by NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), to NIMASA’s headquarters in Lagos. The meeting highlighted both agencies’ shared commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways from illegal activities.
In his address, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, lauded the NDLEA’s relentless efforts under Marwa’s leadership, which have brought tangible progress in combating drug-related crimes.
“We are glad to welcome the NDLEA team, led by Brig. Gen. Marwa, whose exemplary leadership has brought significant progress in the fight against illicit drugs,” Mobereola stated.
He further expressed NIMASA’s readiness to collaborate with the NDLEA to enhance security at Nigeria’s ports and terminals.
“NIMASA is firmly committed to partnering with the NDLEA to tackle the menace of drug trafficking, particularly through our nation’s ports and terminals. Together, we can ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain is not exploited for criminal activities,” Mobereola said.
Marwa, in his response, acknowledged NIMASA’s strategic role in the maritime sector and stressed the need for inter-agency collaboration.
“As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, we recognise that this task requires collaboration with critical stakeholders like NIMASA,” he said.
He pointed out that maritime routes have increasingly become conduits for illegal drug shipments, stressing the NDLEA’s readiness to work closely with NIMASA.
“Recent seizures of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports underscore the need for joint efforts to secure our ports. Within the NDLEA, we have established a Marine Command to focus on this emerging threat,” Marwa disclosed.
The NDLEA Chairman also proposed leveraging NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project to enhance maritime security and disrupt drug trafficking networks.
“We propose close collaboration between this unit and NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project, to enhance the protection of Nigeria’s maritime space,” he stated.
Mobereola assured Marwa that NIMASA would explore ways to integrate NDLEA personnel into its security operations under the Deep Blue Project. The initiative, which is a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Ministry of Defence, brings together multiple security agencies to strengthen maritime safety.
In addition, the NDLEA pledged to conduct sensitisation programmes for NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) on the dangers of drug abuse, further cementing their partnership.
The visit concluded with both agencies reiterating their commitment to a unified strategy against drug trafficking in Nigeria’s maritime sector. As Brig. Gen. Marwa aptly summarised: “The global maritime space has increasingly become a conduit for the illegal movement of drugs, and we are keen to work with NIMASA to address this challenge.”
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has expressed its readiness to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to fight illegal drug traders behind the importation and exportation of illicit, dangerous and unapproved drug business at the nation’s sea ports
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola gave the assurance when the Executive Chairman of NDLEA, Gen Buba Marwa (rtd) visited the NIMASA Towers in Lagos.
Speaking during the visit, Mobereola commended the NDLEA for its remarkable achievements in combating illegal drug businesses and arresting drug barons across the country.
The NIMASA chief pledged that the agency would collaborate with the NDLEA to secure the nation’s maritime domain against the illicit drug business and shipment into the country.
He said that the NDLEA Chairman’s
exemplary leadership, has brought significant progress in the fight against illicit drugs in the country.
According to him: “We are glad to welcome the NDLEA team, led by Brig. Gen. Marwa, whose exemplary leadership has brought significant progress in the fight against illicit drugs.”
NIMASA, Mobereola said, “Is firmly committed to partnering with the NDLEA to tackle the menace of drug trafficking, particularly through our nation’s Ports and Terminals. Together, we can ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain is not exploited for criminal activities.”
In his response, Brig. Gen. Marwa expressed his gratitude for the warm reception given to him and his team by NIMASA and emphasised the need for collaboration to address the rising threat of drug trafficking through the maritime space.
As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, Marwa said: “We recognise that this task requires collaboration with critical stakeholders like NIMASA. The global maritime space has increasingly become a conduit for the illegal movement of drugs, and we are keen to work with NIMASA to address this challenge.”
Berating recent developments, Marwa said: “Recent seizures of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports underscore the need for joint efforts to secure our ports. Within the NDLEA, we have established a Marine Command to focus on this emerging threat. We propose close collaboration between this unit and NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project, to enhance the protection of Nigeria’s maritime space.”
The NDLEA Chairman also pledged the agency’s support in sensitising NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) on the dangers of drug abuse.
Mobereola however, assured Marwa that NIMASA would explore avenues to integrate NDLEA personnel into the existing maritime security architecture, particularly the Deep Blue Project.
The Deep Blue Project is a joint initiative of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Ministry of Defence, is domiciled in NIMASA with contributions from various security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, and the Department of State Services.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has said the arest of 18,500 individuals and seizure of 2.6milion kilogrammes of drugs last year, has justified the global support the agency is getting.
Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, in a statement yesterday, said the feat being recorded by the anti-narcotic body will continue to justify the support it is getting from the United States government, other partners and stakeholders.
According to the statement, Marwa stated this during the inauguration of the central exhibit office donated by the U.S. government to the NDLEA’s headquarters annex in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The facility was handed over to the NDLEA boss by the U.S. Consulate- General, Ms. Jo Ellen Georg, supported by other senior U.S. officials.
While commending the American government as a reliable ally in Nigeria’s renewed efforts to combat drug-related crimes, Marwa said the continued collaboration with the U.S. had been infinite, bolstered and enhanced NDLEA’s capabilities.
According to him, “Today, I am particularly pleased to acknowledge one of such gestures, namely the donation of the office for our central exhibit custodians. This donation acknowledges the critical need for efficient and secure handling of evidence, which is essential for the successful prosecution of drug-related cases.
“This contribution will not only strengthen our operational framework but also set a new standard for accountability and transparency in drug law enforcement. It is an investment in the security and the future of our nations.”
He said despite the agency’s improved performance, the war against drug trafficking and abuse was far from over.
“As an organisation, we are committed to surmounting the challenges,”Marwa added.
The NDLEA said the challenges notwithstanding, tremendous successes had been recorded on all fronts against the drug menace.
“So far, the results have been justified. In 2024, we seized over 2.6 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs. Across the country, we arrested more than 18,500 drug trafficking offenders; got over 3,250 convicted, including 10 drug barons, with more than 220 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed.
“In the same breath we counselled and rehabilitated over 8, 200, with more than 3,000 sensitisation and advocacy programmes organised across the country in schools, markets, motor parks, worship centres, workplaces and communities, among others, thus creating an equipoise between our drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts,” Marwa said.
Marwa said the challenges of illicit drugs are dynamic and multifaceted, and as such require continuous partnership and innovation.
“That is why we are pragmatic in our unending quest for further support from our international partners, key stakeholders and public-spirited persons. We seek intervention in critical areas such as capacity building and enhanced training for our officers, provision of technology and equipment, especially for advanced surveillance and tracking, intelligence and information sharing and provision of operational logistics,” he added.
He commended Americans for their support over the years.
“Our shared goal remains the protection of lives and the promotion of a safer, healthier world. As chairman and CEO of NDLEA, I pledge our commitment to accountability, transparency, and the effective utilisation of the resources entrusted to us. I assure you that every donation inspires confidence in the agency and, by extension, inspires resilience, hard work and dedication among our workforce,” he said.
Specifically, he thanked the U.S. DEA attaché in Nigeria, Robert Bascoe, whose efforts and commitment made the donation and several others a reality. He expressed gratitude to the U.S. Africa Command and the U.S. Embassy for their invaluable partnership.
Georg said the cornerstone of the relationship between Nigeria and the U.S. is premised on the vibrancy of democracy.
“It’s a principle deeply embraced by both of our nations. And one of our leaders who helped nurture this deep and enduring partnership between our two countries was former President Jimmy Carter, who, as noted, passed away on December 29th at age 100.
“President Carter was an extraordinary leader, and he dedicated his years in and out of office promoting peace, democracy, health, and human rights. And today, as is customary in the United States, his body is being drawn on a horse carriage to the U.S. Capitol to lie in state so that we can all respect the legacy that he has left for us. And President Carter was actually the first U.S. President to make a state visit to Nigeria.”
She highlighted the significance of the support the U.S. government has been providing for the NDLEA while commending Marwa for taking advantage of such partnership to achieve tremendous results for Nigeria in the fight against illicit drugs.
She said: “The efforts to fight drug trafficking in Nigeria and across the West Africa region have successes because we share the same objective of countering crime, illegal drugs, and instability. Today, as part of our enduring partnership, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is honoured to hand over a dedicated office space for the NDLEA.
“This dedicated facility will provide NDLEA officers with a safe and secure office space to conduct investigations, to process arrestees, and to conduct post-arrest interviews.
“Now this donation is the latest example of the robust and productive cooperation between the United States government and the NDLEA. In 2024, the U.S. government invested $.5 million to modernise and equip the chemical forensic laboratory at the NDLEA zonal office in Lagos.
“That upgraded laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technology, which enhances the NDLEA’s capacity to analyse suspicious substances and to process evidence from crime scenes and suspects.
“Over the years, our joint efforts have helped to build the capacity of the Nigerian authorities to disrupt drug trafficking networks, to dismantle clandestine meth labs, and to conduct advanced forensic analysis of synthetic drugs. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the Nigerian government and its agencies as we continue to combat narcotics to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs, especially synthetic drugs, and that will better both of our societies.”
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has said that the steady operational successes which led to 18,500 arrests and seizure 2.6milion kilogrammes of drugs seized in 2024, justified the global support the Agency is getting.
Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, in a statement on Tuesday, said the feat being recorded by the anti-narcotic body in its drug supply and demand reduction efforts will continue to justify the support it is getting from the United States government, other partners and stakeholders.
According to the statement, Marwa stated this at the commissioning of central exhibit office donated by the US government to NDLEA at the Agency’s headquarters annex in Ikoyi Lagos on Tuesday.
The facility was handed over to the NDLEA boss by the US Consulate General, Ms. Jo Ellen Georg, supported by other senior US officials.
While commending the United States government as a reliable ally in Nigeria’s renewed efforts to combat drug-related crimes, Marwa said the continued collaboration with the US has been infinite, bolstered and enhanced NDLEA’s operational capabilities.
According to him, “Today, I am particularly pleased to acknowledge one of such gestures, namely the donation of the office for our central exhibit custodians. This donation acknowledges the critical need for efficient and secure handling of evidence, which is essential for the successful prosecution of drug-related cases.
“This contribution will not only strengthen our operational framework but also set a new standard for accountability and transparency in drug law enforcement. It is an investment in the security and the future of our nations.”
He said despite the Agency’s improved performance, the war against drug trafficking and abuse was far from over.
“As an organisation, we are committed to surmounting the challenges.” The NDLEA said the challenges notwithstanding, tremendous successes have been recorded on all fronts against the drug menace.
“So far, the results have been justifying. In 2024, we seized over 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs. Across the country, we arrested more than 18,500 drug trafficking offenders. Got over 3,250 convicted, including 10 drug barons, with more than 220 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed.
“In the same breath we counselled and rehabilitated over 8, 200, with more than 3,000 sensitisation and advocacy programmes organized across the country in schools, markets, motor parks, worship centres, work places and communities, among others, thus creating an equipoise between our drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts,” Marwa said.
While calling for continuous support and more collaboration from the US government and other partners, Marwa said the challenges of illicit drugs are dynamic and multifaceted, and as such require continuous partnership and innovation.
“That is why we are pragmatic in our unending quest for further support from our international partners, key stakeholders and public-spirited persons. We seek intervention in critical areas such as capacity building and enhanced training for our officers, provision of technology and equipment, especially for advanced surveillance and tracking, intelligence and information sharing and provision of operational logistics”, he added.
He commended the American people for their support and magnanimity over the years.
“Our shared goal remains the protection of lives and the promotion of a safer, healthier world. As Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, I pledge our commitment to accountability, transparency, and the effective utilisation of the resources entrusted to us. I assure you that every donation inspires confidence in the agency and, by extension, inspires resilience, hard work and dedication among our workforce,” he said.
He specifically thanked the US DEA attaché in Nigeria, Mr. Robert Bascoe, whose untiring efforts and commitment made the donation and several others a reality even as he expressed gratitude to the United States Africa Command and the US Embassy for their invaluable partnership.
In her remarks, the US Acting Consul General, Ms. Jo Ellen Georg said the cornerstone of the relationship between Nigeria and US is premised on the vibrancy of democracy.
“It’s a principle deeply embraced by both of our nations. And one of our leaders who helped nurture this deep and enduring partnership between our two countries was former President Jimmy Carter, who, as noted, passed away on December 29th at age 100.
“President Carter was an extraordinary leader, and he dedicated his years in and out of office promoting peace, democracy, health, and human rights. And today, as is customary in the United States, his body is being drawn on a horse carriage to the U.S. Capitol to lie in state so that we can all respect the legacy that he has left for us. And President Carter was actually the first U.S. President to make a state visit to Nigeria.”
She highlighted the significance of the support the US government has been providing for the NDLEA while commending Marwa for taking advantage of such partnership to achieve tremendous results for Nigeria in the fight against illicit drugs.
She said: “The efforts to fight drug trafficking in Nigeria and across West Africa region have successes because we share the same objective of countering crime, illegal drugs, and instability. Today, as part of our enduring partnership, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, is honoured to hand over a dedicated office space for the NDLEA.
“This dedicated facility will provide NDLEA officers with a safe and secure office space to conduct investigations, to process arrestees, and to conduct post-arrest interviews.
“Now this donation is the latest example of the robust and productive cooperation between the United States government and the NDLEA. In 2024, the U.S. government invested half a million dollars to modernize and equip the chemical forensic laboratory at the NDLEA zonal office here in Lagos.
“That upgraded laboratory is now equipped with cutting-edge technology, which enhances the NDLEA’s capacity to analyze suspicious substances and to process evidence from crime scenes and suspects.
“Over the years, our joint efforts have helped to build the capacity of the Nigerian authorities to disrupt drug trafficking networks, to dismantle clandestine meth labs, and to conduct advanced forensic analysis of synthetic drugs. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the Nigerian government and its agencies as we continue to combat narcotics to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs, especially synthetic drugs, and that will better both of our societies.”
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kwara Command, says a total number of 929 people were arrested for hard drugs related offences between January and December 2024 in the state.
The state Commander, Mrs Fatima Popoola, made this known yesterday during a news conference at the NDLEA headquarters in Ilorin.
Popoola said those arrested included 839 males and 90 females within a year.
She explained that the command conducted a series of activities to suppress the supply and demand for hard drugs, adding that 2,642,103 kilograms were seized within the year in review.
“The seized drugs include cannabis, tramadol, diazepam, methamphetamine, cough syrup laced with codeine, and cocaine/crack.
“Cannabis tops the list of seized drugs accounting to 1,455,529 kilograms, so the state is in dire need of intervention to solve the hydra–headed challenges of abuse and trafficking in cannabis.
“The mop up of 1.5 tonnes of cannabis is a big saviour to parents and the good people of the state, if not, the destructive effects of the drugs could have been devastating,” she said.
The commander said 185 hard drugs users were apprehended and referred to the drug demand reduction unit for brief interventions, and were re-integrated with their families.
“In addition to the intervention efforts, 22 clients were admitted in our rehabilitation facility with other 17 clients who are non-residential, coming from their homes for counselling.
“The prosecution and legal service unit secured 133 convictions from the Federal High Court, Ilorin, which involved 123 males and 10 females, while more cases were charged but still pending.
“Fourteen motor vehicles and 12 motorcycles used by the suspects in drug crimes and monies seized were forfeited to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she said.
Popoola said the command, in conjunction with the state government, had also started drug integrity tests titled “Drug Testing Policy”, in which 261 fresh students of Kwara State University, Malete, were tested.
“The vice chancellor; dean of student affairs, and the fresh students tested proved negative for hard drugs. Many thanks to the university for providing a favourable and suitable climate for the test.
“Other institutions of higher learning need to emulate such a policy that will help Nigeria achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3: “Health and wellbeing for all by 2030,” she said.
The commander, however, said that the rehabilitation centre that could accommodate 200 people for treatment and counselling of drug addicts, had not been completed due to paucity of funds.
“Also, the command needs official vehicles in all the eight stations for easy mobility, and funds for other necessary things in the office,” she added.
