Ribadu, Fagbemi Assure NDLEA of Tinubu’s Continuous Support Against Drug Abuse
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), describing the agency as a crucial pillar in safeguarding Nigeria’s national security.
Ribadu made the pledge on Wednesday during the commissioning of 48 new operational vehicles at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. He commended the leadership of Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), for transforming the agency into a results-driven force in the fight against illicit drugs.
“This event is not just about commissioning vehicles,” Ribadu said. “Mobility is critical to intercept traffickers and deploy resources where needed. The link between drug trafficking and insecurity is systemic – criminal gangs and insurgents rely on drug profits to fund their activities. That is why the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes drug control as part of our national security strategy.”
He assured that the Office of the National Security Adviser would continue coordinating NDLEA’s operations with other security and regulatory agencies, urging personnel to remain professional, vigilant, and law-abiding.
In his remarks, Gen. Marwa described the new vehicles as a milestone made possible by President Tinubu’s “unwavering and strategic support,” stressing that it symbolizes the administration’s resolve to equip institutions at the frontlines of both national security and public health.
NDLEA’s Performance Under Tinubu
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Marwa highlighted major achievements since Tinubu assumed office, including:
Arrest of 40,887 drug offenders, including 45 major drug barons.
Seizure of over 5.5 million kilograms of illicit substances.
Destruction of 704.445 hectares of cannabis farms.
Securing 8,682 convictions with asset forfeitures.
Treatment and rehabilitation of 24,173 drug users across 30 centres.
Conducting 8,698 sensitisation activities under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.
“These results reflect the resilience of our personnel and the growing capacity of the agency,” Marwa noted, adding that NDLEA must continue adapting its strategies with sharper intelligence, stronger community engagement, and improved logistics.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), lauded President Tinubu’s support for NDLEA and praised Marwa’s leadership. “Whenever I’m asked to showcase our report card, I put NDLEA first,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the vehicle procurement as a “significant boost” to NDLEA’s operational efficiency. Similarly, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, commended the agency for strict compliance with due process, setting a benchmark for other government institutions.
According to NDLEA, 38 SUVs have been allocated to its Zonal, Strategic, and State Commands, while 10 sedans will serve various directorates. The event also featured the decoration of 15 newly promoted Commanders of Narcotics with the rank of Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN).
By PRNigeria
