45,853 arrested, 8.5m kilograms of drugs seized in 30 months–NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Wednesday said it has, in the past 30 months, arrested 45,853 suspects in connection with illicit drugs and seized over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs. The Agency also said it also convicted 9,263 offenders and counselled, rehabilitated 26,613 drug users at its treatment facilities within […]

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Wednesday said it has, in the past 30 months, arrested 45,853 suspects in connection with illicit drugs and seized over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs.

The Agency also said it also convicted 9,263 offenders and counselled, rehabilitated 26,613 drug users at its treatment facilities within the period.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), made this known when he presented commendation letters and awards to 220 personnel for outstanding performance and decorated 15 senior officers with their new ranks.

In his remarks at the event, Marwa said, “Today, we specifically recognize those who have gone above and beyond. We celebrate those who, despite facing immense danger and relentless temptation, chose the path of integrity, selflessness, and uncompromising adherence to our mandate.”

Marwa noted that the commitment of the personnel to the renewed hope agenda of the Tinubu administration has yielded tremendous results in the past 30 months on the two major planks of drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction, leading to 45,853 arrests, seizure of over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and conviction of 9,263 offenders.

He said over, ‘’26,613 drug users were counselled and rehabilitated in NDLEA treatment facilities and a total of 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities conducted.’’

While noting that he has upheld the tradition of hosting the commendation and awards ceremony to appreciate and encourage officers who have distinguished themselves, he emphasized that the challenge of the drug scourge still remains monumental, requiring more work.

Commodore Jerry Omodara (rtd), representing Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, and the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Insurance, Hon. Ahmed Jaha, who were among the special guests, commended Marwa’s leadership style for positively impacting the Agency’s workforce and performance.