The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohamed Buba Marwa, has honoured 166 personnel and 17 Commands for exceptional performance, charging the Agency to prepare for more tactically sophisticated operations against drug cartels, barons and couriers over the next five years of his second tenure.
Marwa gave the charge on Tuesday at the 11th Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) Awards and Commendation Ceremony, held at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja. Addressing officers, men and women of the NDLEA, he underscored a renewed operational tempo anchored on intelligence-led enforcement and relentless pressure on criminal networks.
“The next phase of our operations demands even more grit and tactical sophistication,” Marwa said. “We will not rest until every drug baron is behind bars, every trafficker is intercepted, every mule is caught, and every single gram of illicit drug is removed from our streets and communities. There is no room for complacency.”
He stressed that the Agency’s objective remains the total disruption of drug trafficking and the protection of communities, warning that there would be “no retreat and no complacency” in sustaining gains recorded so far.
The 11th CCEO Awards recognised personnel who demonstrated outstanding courage, professionalism and integrity in the line of duty. Marwa urged awardees to view their plaques and certificates as reminders that excellence is valued, while encouraging others to draw inspiration from their achievements.
Explaining the philosophy behind the honours, the NDLEA boss noted that the Commands Awards and Commendations form part of the Agency’s internal reward system following bi-annual appraisals. He said the framework is embedded in NDLEA’s corporate culture to strengthen individual and collective commitment to organisational goals.
“Our dedication to duty has driven our performance, and motivation has catalysed it,” he said. “Over the past five years, management’s multipronged motivational mechanisms have contributed to the Agency’s resurgence and impressive outcomes. We remain committed to improving productivity across the board.”
Marwa also acknowledged the indispensable support of international partners, sister security agencies, civil society organisations and the media, calling for deeper strategic collaboration in the years ahead to safeguard Nigerian communities—especially children—from the harms of illicit drugs.
The ceremony capped a day of reflection and recognition, reinforcing NDLEA’s resolve to intensify enforcement, expand partnerships and sustain momentum in the national fight against drug trafficking.
