18,500 drug traffickers arrested in 2024 — Marwa
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it arrested 18,500 suspected drug traffickers and seized 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs in 2024. Chairman of the Agency, retired Brig.-Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa, disclosed this at the inauguration of the NDLEA Central Exhibit Office in Lagos on Tuesday. The office, donated by the US Government ,is located at the agency’s headquarters annex in Ikoyi.
Mr Marwa said that the steady operational successes being recorded by the agency in its drug supply and demand reduction efforts was attributable to the support given to it by the U.S. government and other partners . While commending the U.S. government as a reliable ally in Nigeria’s fight against drug-related crimes, Marwa said the continued collaboration with the US had bolstered and enhanced NDLEA’s operational capabilities. “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. Mr Marwa said in spite of the Agency’s improved performance, its personnel recognised that the war against drug trafficking and abuse was far from over. “As an organisation, we are committed to surmounting the challenges,” he said. The NDLEA boss said the challenges notwithstanding, tremendous successes had 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. “While in the same breath ,we counselled and rehabilitated over 8, 200 drug abusers. “We organised more than 3,000 sensitisation and advocacy programmes across the country in schools, markets, motor parks, worship centres, work places and communities, among others.” he said. While calling for continuous support and more collaboration from the US government and other partners, Marwa said the challenges of illicit drugs were dynamic and multi-faceted, and as such required 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. “Others include, provision of technology and equipment, especially for advanced surveillance and tracking, intelligence and information sharing and provision of operational logistics”, he added.
He expressed gratitude to the American people for their generosity and support throughout the years.
“The preservation of life and the advancement of a safer, healthier world continue to be our common objectives.
“In my capacity as NDLEA’s chairman and CEO, I promise our dedication to responsibility, openness, and the efficient use of the funds entrusted to us.
“I promise that every donation fosters trust in the organization, which in turn fosters resiliency, diligence, and commitment among our employees,” he said.
Mr Marwa specifically thanked the US Drug Enforcement Administration(DEA) attaché in Nigeria, Mr Robert Bascoe, whose untiring efforts and commitment made the donation and several others a reality.
Additionally, he thanked the US Embassy and the US Africa Command for their essential collaboration.
As she turned over the facility, US Acting Consul General Ms. Jo Ellen Georg stated that the foundation of the U.S.-Nigeria relationship was based on the strength of democracy.
Both of our countries firmly believe in this idea.
And former President Jimmy Carter, who, as mentioned, died on December 29 at the age of 100, was one of our leaders who contributed to the development of this strong and long-lasting relationship between our two nations.
“President Carter was a remarkable leader who devoted his time in and out of office to advancing human rights, democracy, peace, and health.
And so that we may all honor the legacy he left for us, his body is being transported in a horse-drawn carriage to the U.S. Capitol to lie in state today, as is usual in the United States.
She said that President Carter was the first American president to visit Nigeria as a state guest.
Jo Ellen praised Marwa for using the collaboration to help Nigeria achieve amazing successes in the fight against illegal drugs, while highlighting the importance of the support the US government has been giving the NDLEA.
She stated: “We have achieved success in combating drug trafficking in Nigeria and throughout the West African region because we have the same goal of preventing crime, illicit drugs, and instability.”
According to her, the specialized facility would give NDLEA personnel a secure workspace where they could process arrestees, conduct post-arrest interviews, and conduct investigations.
“This donation is the most recent illustration of the strong and fruitful collaboration between the NDLEA and the US government.”
According to Jo Ellen, the U.S. government spent half a million dollars in 2024 to outfit and modernize the chemical forensic lab at the Lagos-based NDLEA zonal office.
Modern technology, she said, had been added to the renovated lab, “improving the NDLEA’s ability to analyze suspicious substances and to process evidence from crime scenes and suspects.”
“Our combined efforts over the years have contributed to the Nigerian authorities’ increased ability to combat drug trafficking.”
“As we continue to fight drugs, we look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Nigerian government and its agencies to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs, particularly synthetic drugs, which will benefit both of our societies,” she stated.
NAN
