‘NDLEA arrests 29,262 suspects, seizes N1.5tn drugs’

In a significant crackdown on illicit substances, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the arrest of 29,262 suspected drug traffickers and the seizure of over 5.3 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, valued at more than N1.5 trillion, within the last 18 months. The agency also reported securing 5,225 convictions during this period, underscoring its intensified efforts against drug syndicates.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), highlighted the agency's success in dismantling transnational trafficking networks through intelligence-led operations. These efforts included disrupting international methamphetamine syndicates and dismantling the Amadi Simon drug cartel in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies. A large-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory was also uncovered and dismantled in Oyo State.

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In the last 18 months alone, the agency arrested 29,262 suspects, seized 5,305,484.88 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs valued at over N1.5tn and secured the conviction of 5,225 offenders.

Marwa emphasized that these figures represent more than just statistics, translating into millions of lives saved, billions of naira in confiscated criminal assets, and a reclaimed future for Nigerian youth. Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA has also focused on prevention, conducting 6,645 awareness campaigns under its War Against Drug Abuse initiative, reaching nearly five million Nigerians. Additionally, 13,508 individuals received counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation across 31 centers nationwide.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, reaffirmed his administration's dedication to tackling substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. He stressed the importance of stronger law enforcement, innovation, and international collaboration in addressing the persistent issues and new challenges within the global drug problem.

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These numbers represent more than just data; they represent millions of lives saved, billions of naira in criminal wealth confiscated and a future reclaimed for our youths.