Marwa Urges Global Unity to Dismantle Criminal Drug Networks at UN Session
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called on the international community to unite in dismantling global criminal drug networks that threaten peace, stability, and the collective future of nations.
Speaking at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Plenary Session of the Third Committee in New York on Monday, Marwa stressed that the world can no longer allow itself to be held hostage by the illicit drug trade, describing it as a transnational challenge requiring global collaboration and intelligence sharing.
“Given the transnational nature of the drug problem, Nigeria prioritizes international cooperation and intelligence sharing,” Marwa said. “We have signed memoranda of understanding with several countries and maintain strong partnerships with the UNODC, EU, DEA, INL, NCA, BKA, and others. These collaborations have led to major seizures, arrests of high-profile traffickers, and successful prosecutions — all with full regard for human rights.”
The NDLEA boss underscored that the theme of the UNGA session correctly identified the global drug problem as a multidimensional challenge requiring coordinated, evidence-based interventions. He explained that Nigeria has adopted a comprehensive national strategy to curb drug abuse and trafficking, emphasizing prevention, rehabilitation, and law enforcement.
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According to him, Nigeria has strengthened measures against money laundering linked to drug proceeds while expanding care and support for drug users through rehabilitation centres, opioid substitution therapy, and needle exchange programmes.
Marwa also highlighted the country’s ongoing Alternative Development Programme, designed to replace illicit cannabis cultivation with legitimate and sustainable livelihoods in rural communities. He noted that cannabis remains the most commonly abused drug in Nigeria, making community engagement crucial to addressing the problem.
“Our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative continues to mobilize all sectors of society in nationwide sensitization, reinforcing collective responsibility in protecting families and communities from the dangers of drug abuse,” he said.
The NDLEA chairman further disclosed that the agency is confronting emerging challenges such as new psychoactive substances and the use of the Dark Web for trafficking. He said Nigeria is taking decisive steps against the illicit production of methamphetamine by preventing the diversion of precursor chemicals and dismantling clandestine laboratories.
Marwa noted that the National Drug Control Master Plan has improved coordination among stakeholders and yielded measurable results. In advancing social justice, he said the country operates a 24-hour toll-free drug call centre offering multilingual counselling services to bridge treatment gaps and combat the stigma associated with drug use.
He concluded his address by urging nations to stand together with shared commitment and determination to defeat the global drug menace once and for all.
“The world must stand together — resolute and united — to dismantle the networks that threaten our peace, stability, and collective future,” Marwa declared.
By PRNigeria
