The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), has decorated 15 senior officers with new ranks and honoured several others for their outstanding performance and dedication in the fight against illicit drugs in Nigeria.
The NDLEA chairman also warned against the rising trend of drug-themed parties, referencing a recent incident in Lagos where a nightclub owner promoted an event openly encouraging drug use.
Speaking during the ceremony today, which has become an annual tradition of the agency, Marwa said the event was organized to celebrate excellence, integrity, and selfless service among officers who have distinguished themselves in the line of duty.
“For the past four and a half years, we have upheld the tradition of hosting this commendation and award ceremony to appreciate and encourage our officers, men, and women who have distinguished themselves in the line of duty. As it is, our tradition will also decorate 15 senior officers with their new ranks today. As such, this unique combination truly makes today a momentous event,” he said.
The NDLEA boss described the day as one dedicated to “honouring courage, celebrating professionalism, and recognizing the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who serve on the front lines of our nation’s war against illicit drugs.”
He noted that drug abuse, trafficking, and related criminal activities pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s social fabric, economic stability, and national security. Marwa praised officers whose commitment and courage have led to several successes, including the interception of hard drugs, dismantling of clandestine laboratories, and the arrest of major traffickers.
According to him, the agency has recorded remarkable achievements in the past 30 months under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. These include 45,853 arrests, 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs seized, and 9,263 convictions secured. In addition, 26,613 drug users have been counseled and rehabilitated in NDLEA facilities across the country, while 9,848 sensitization campaigns were carried out in schools, markets, workplaces, religious centers, and communities.
Marwa emphasized the importance of rewarding virtues such as hard work, loyalty, integrity, and discipline, noting that the NDLEA Command Awards and Commendations remain a vital tool for motivating personnel.
“Our faith in the reward system has been proven right. Over the past four and a half years, we have witnessed an improvement in both the individual and collective efforts of our workforce,” he said.
“We intervened in a brazen move by a club owner who advertised a drug party. Let it be clear: possession or use of drugs in persons or premises is an illegality in Nigeria. We will not allow a culture of impunity to take root,” Marwa warned.
He commended the Lagos State Command for its professional handling of the case and disclosed that legal actions have already been initiated against the club involved.
“We will make an example of this case to deter others. Club owners, hoteliers, and landlords must understand that their properties risk forfeiture if used for criminal drug activities,” he added.
Marwa also expressed gratitude to media partners for their continuous collaboration in amplifying the agency’s anti-drug campaigns and public enlightenment efforts.