Emmanuel OchayiBrig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), emphasized the impact of the agency’s crackdown on drug trafficking and substance abuse as they have seized drugs worth N800 billion
This was revealed during a visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa.
Speaking directly, Marwa highlighted, “In about three years, we have arrested 42,105 drug offenders, including 46 barons. We have seized no fewer than 7,590 tons of drugs and this is worth about N800 billion.”
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Beyond the statistics, Marwa stressed the critical connection between drugs and criminal activities like terrorism and insurgency, underlining the agency’s role in curbing these threats.
He added, “29,400 drug users have been counseled and rehabilitated within the same period.”
Expressing gratitude to the armed forces for their support, Marwa urged further collaboration and proposed the establishment of a central rehabilitation center, integrating drug treatment facilities within military hospitals.
In response, Gen. Christopher Musa affirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to partnering with the NDLEA to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
He praised the agency’s proactive approach, stating, “We have seen the number of arrests being made, and how the world has now seen that Nigeria is taking positive measures to address this drug issue, I think is highly commendable.”
Highlighting the direct impact of drug abuse, Musa noted, “Theatre Commanders in the Northeast have seen the effect of drugs as people get false confidence under its influence.”
The collaborative efforts underscore a united front against substance abuse, signaling a firm stance from both the NDLEA and the armed forces in combating this pervasive issue across Nigeria.
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