June 26 (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking through intelligence-driven, evidence-based, and innovative strategies, declaring that Nigeria will continue to strengthen law enforcement, prevention, rehabilitation, and international cooperation to curb the growing drug menace.
The President made the declaration on Friday at the grand finale of activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Abuja, where he also commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for recording significant operational successes against drug cartels across the country.
Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Tinubu said the theme of this year’s observance, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” reflects the urgent need for governments and stakeholders to adopt evolving strategies to address increasingly sophisticated drug trafficking networks.
He noted that the devastating effects of substance abuse extend beyond individuals to families, schools, workplaces, and national security, stressing that the Federal Government is tackling the challenge through a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“My administration remains committed to creating an environment in which young Nigerians can thrive and succeed.
“Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are expanding access to education, promoting skills development, supporting entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities, and implementing social interventions that address some of the underlying factors that make individuals vulnerable to substance abuse and criminal recruitment,” Tinubu said.
The President stressed that reducing demand for illicit drugs must be complemented by stronger measures to disrupt supply chains through enhanced border management, improved surveillance at ports, airports, and land crossings, strengthened intelligence gathering, and closer collaboration with regional and international law enforcement agencies.
“Criminal organisations operate across borders, and our response must be equally coordinated and effective,” he stated.
Tinubu further underscored the importance of science, technology, and data-driven policing, saying investments in forensic laboratories, technological capabilities, and scientific research would enable authorities to detect emerging drug threats and precursor chemicals more effectively.
He also called for sustained support for the criminal justice system to ensure that investigators, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and the courts remain equipped to prosecute drug-related offences successfully.
The President praised the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), and officers of the agency for what he described as remarkable achievements in the fight against organised crime.
He cited increased arrests and seizures, successful prosecutions, multi-billion-naira forfeitures, rehabilitation programmes, and the dismantling of organised drug syndicates, including those behind the country’s largest methamphetamine laboratory.
“These achievements stand as a testament to our administration’s zero tolerance for organised crime and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics,” Tinubu said.
He, however, maintained that government alone could not win the war against drug abuse, urging parents, schools, religious and traditional institutions, the media, the private sector, civil society organisations, and international partners to intensify efforts towards prevention, awareness, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Earlier, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Marwa, said the agency has remained resolute against increasingly sophisticated drug trafficking organisations through intelligence-led operations and international collaboration.
He disclosed that over the last 18 months, the agency arrested 29,262 suspects, seized 5,305,484.88 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs valued at more than N1.5 trillion, and secured 5,225 convictions.
“These numbers represent more than just statistics; they represent millions of lives saved, billions of naira in criminal wealth confiscated, and a future reclaimed for our youths,” Marwa said.
He revealed that the NDLEA, working with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) and law enforcement agencies in Greece, France, and Switzerland, dismantled the notorious Amadi Simon drug cartel in a major transnational operation.
According to him, the agency also dismantled a sophisticated cross-continental methamphetamine syndicate, leading to the arrest of a 63-year-old Nigerian drug kingpin, Innocent Anochili, alongside three Mexican nationals and six Nigerian accomplices.
Marwa further disclosed that NDLEA operatives uncovered another industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory hidden inside a forest in Tapa village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State, where a Mexican national and four others were arrested.
He said the agency’s sustained offensive over the past five years has led to the arrest of 234 major drug barons coordinating organised trafficking networks across Nigeria.
Beyond enforcement, Marwa highlighted the agency’s Drug Demand Reduction initiatives, noting that through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, the NDLEA has conducted 6,645 sensitisation programmes in schools, worship centres, markets, workplaces, correctional facilities, and communities, reaching nearly five million Nigerians.
He added that 13,508 drug users had received counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation services across the agency’s 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide within the same period.
Marwa also announced plans to deepen the deployment of technology, deep-web intelligence, advanced data analytics, and improved forensic capabilities to detect emerging drug trends and synthetic substances.
He said the agency’s Alternative Development Programme—the first of its kind in Africa—aims to provide illicit cannabis farmers with sustainable alternative livelihoods through legitimate cultivation of crops such as cassava, maize, cocoa, and cowpeas.
Delivering the guest lecture titled “Celebrating Progress and Inspiring Collective Actions Against Drug Abuse,” Professor Oluwatoyin Odeku of the University of Ibadan said the country’s anti-drug campaign had recorded measurable progress over the past five years.
“When NDLEA was re-energised in 2021, many thought the drug war was unwinnable. Today, the data tells a different story, and we have reasons to celebrate,” she said.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Representative, Cheikh Touré, represented by Dr Akanidomo Ibanga, commended the Federal Government for pursuing a balanced approach that integrates drug supply reduction with prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
He reaffirmed the UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through technical assistance, strategic partnerships, and evidence-based interventions.
The event also featured the presentation of prizes to winners of the NDLEA National Inter-Secondary School Essay Competition. Ikpeamachi Jennifer of Federal Government College, Enugu, won the first prize of N500,000 and a trophy, while Aliyu Kama of General Murtala Muhammed College, Yola, and Chiagoziem Ikechukwu of Mimshak Academy, Abia State, emerged second and third, receiving N300,000 and N200,000 respectively, alongside trophies.
The ceremony attracted senior government officials, lawmakers, development partners, diplomats, civil society organisations, and representatives of key health and regulatory agencies, who all reiterated their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
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