... NSA Ribadu, AGF Fagbemi, CDS Commend Marwa’s Transformative Leadership
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as part of Nigeria’s national security strategy, commissioning 46 operational vehicles for deployment across the country.
At the commissioning ceremony held at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, hailed the milestone as a product of the President’s “strategic support” and described drug control as a central pillar in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ribadu noted that the fight against illicit drugs is inseparable from efforts to combat insecurity, as criminal gangs, insurgents, and armed groups often fund their activities through drug trafficking.
“Without mobility to swiftly reach danger points and intercept traffickers, our fight is severely constrained,” he said, assuring that the NDLEA would continue to receive the full backing of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“These vehicles will be deployed nationwide to amplify NDLEA’s operational presence, strengthen deterrence, and ensure that no trafficker escapes justice. As the lead agency for drug control, arrest, seizure, and investigation and prosecution, NDLEA will continue to receive the full backing of the Office of National Security Adviser, which will also coordinate its efforts with other security and regulatory agencies, including the National Police Force, Nigerian Customs Service, NAFDAC.
He challenged NDLEA 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. In light of the pandemic, this commissioning is a call to action. Use these resources responsibly, act within the law, and remain vigilant.”
Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa said “the NDLEA has consistently demonstrated courage, professionalism and resilience in confronting the threats posed by drugs and substance abuse in very challenging circumstances.
The procurement of these operational vehicles is therefore a significant boost to the Agency’s operational response capability and overall effectiveness in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse. It is my firm belief that this investment will translate to greater deterrent to those who seek to profit from this destructive trade.”
In his goodwill message at the occasion, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun congratulated President Tinubu for putting the likes of Marwa in positions of leadership in various agencies. He said the event is a testament to Marwa’s leadership style and belief in Nigeria.
“Today marks a remarkable event in our lives. BPP is a worthy partner of NDLEA. The vehicles you see today were thoroughly done through due process. In fact, I am going to say NDLEA, for me, is an example for other agencies of government. So, I congratulate the entire management of NDLEA for leading the way. We can testify to you that these vehicles have gone through standardizations and they are meant for fit, for purpose.
In his remarks, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), said the procurement underscores the administration’s resolve to equip frontline institutions. “This event is a milestone, placing NDLEA among a distinguished group of drug enforcement agencies worldwide that are visible, respected, and making impacts,” Marwa stated.
Marwa highlighted the agency’s achievements over the past two years under President Tinubu’s administration, including:
40,887 drug offenders arrested, including 45 major drug barons.
5.5 million kilograms of illicit substances seized.
704 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed.
8,682 convictions secured with assets forfeited to the government.
24,173 drug users treated and rehabilitated.
8,698 War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation activities carried out nationwide.
Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), lauded the NDLEA’s results, describing it as “the number one agency” in delivering on its mandate. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, also commended the agency’s professionalism and adherence to due process.
And you know, of course, my position when it comes to NDLEA, whenever we are asked to showcase our report card, I'm very quick to say put NDLEA first. This is what you have done. So, I'm happy about what you are doing. And the morale of the staff you are boosting is very important. If there is no morale booster, you can't get anything done.”
Out of the newly procured vehicles, 38 SUVs were allocated to Zonal, Strategic, and State Commands, while 10 sedans went to directorates. The ceremony also featured the decoration of 15 newly promoted senior officers with the rank of Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN).
Marwa pledged that the vehicles would be deployed strategically to strengthen deterrence, boost operational response, and ensure no trafficker escapes justice.