Tinubu Endorses NDLEA’s Fight Against Drug Abuse, NSA Hands Over New Vehicles

Because of its strategic significance to Nigeria’s security framework, President Bola Tinubu’s administration will keep bolstering the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), according to National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
At the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, Ribadu reportedly spoke on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, and officially commissioned 46 new operational vehicles for deployment to critical commands and formations around the country.
He commended Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, and his staff for their unwavering dedication, discipline, and diligence, pointing out that under Marwa, the agency has evolved into a force focused on achieving results while combating the serious threats posed by illegal drugs that jeopardize public health, social stability, and national security. There is more to this ceremony than just commissioning cars.

Our battle is severely limited if we are unable to respond quickly to risk areas, stop traffickers, and provide resources where they are most needed. Insecurity and drug trafficking are linked in a systemic way. Drug earnings fuel the operations of armed groups and insurgents, and they are a major source of income for criminal gangs. In a press statement issued on Wednesday by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Ribadu stated that millions of young Nigerians suffer from addiction, which has disastrous effects on families and communities.
He also noted that drug control is a key component of our national security strategy and that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes it. He attributed the most recent milestone to the President’s steadfast support in the form of financing, interagency collaboration, and policy alignment.

“These vehicles will be deployed nationwide to amplify NDLEA’s operational presence, strengthen deterrence, and ensure that no trafficker escapes justice,” he stated, guaranteeing the Office of the National Security Adviser’s full support and collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, and NAFDAC.

“The NDLEA is not only building lives, but also restoring dignity and shaping national policy,” Ribadu said, offering NDLEA officers a challenge to approach the commissioning as a new mandate. This commissioning is a call to action to address the pandemic. Adhere to the law, use these resources sensibly, and stay alert.

Marwa Verifies Arrests, Recoveries, and Convictions of 40,887 Suspects
As he welcomed guests, Gen. Marwa said the ceremony reflects the Tinubu administration’s ongoing commitment to repositioning the Agency as a modern, effective, and respected organization and represents the ongoing effort to equip institutions on the front lines of public health and national security.

As he pointed out, “Today’s event is a milestone, as NDLEA is now counted among a distinguished group of security and drug law enforcement agencies around the world that are not only visible in their operations but equally respected and making impacts.”

The purchase of the car was made possible by the administration’s financial support under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places a high priority on institutional change, national stability, and the safety of every Nigerian life. Marwa praised the President for his strategic and consistent support.

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Marwa added, “We know from both intelligence and experience that drug abuse and trafficking are central to many security challenges in the country.” Marwa also linked narcotics to trends in crime. The connection between illegal narcotics and cult violence, armed robbery, insurrection, and kidnapping is indisputable. The trafficking of drugs gives offenders more confidence, takes away their moral inhibitions, and replaces hope with recklessness. Drug control cannot be disregarded in any serious national security strategy, which is why we pursue our task with vigor and resolve, and the effects are evident.

He listed the following two-year results under the current administration: “40,887 drug offenders arrested (including 45 drug barons); over 5.5 million kilograms of various drugs seized; 704.445 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed; 8,682 convictions secured with asset forfeitures to the Federal Government; 24,173 drug users treated and rehabilitated across 30 rehab centers; and 8,698 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities in schools, places of worship, workplaces, motor parks, and communities.”

Although the illegal drug trade is always changing, taking advantage of young people who are at risk, porous borders, and occasionally complicit parties, Marwa stated that the NDLEA’s reaction will continue to advance with increased information, more robust community involvement, and—most importantly—better mobility and logistics.

The President’s backing and Marwa’s leadership were praised by Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

“There is an extremely close connection between drug trafficking and all of our crimes,” he stated.

“They give criminals more confidence.” They are only regular mortals like you and me, you find out after the effect wears off. I always say to put NDLEA first when we are requested to display our report cards.

“A significant boost to the Agency’s operational response capability and overall effectiveness,” said Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defense Staff, who also said he expects the investment would result in a better deterrent to those who attempt to profit from this harmful activity.

Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement Dr. Adebowale Adedokun said the vehicles passed rigorous due process and commended the President for placing people like Marwa in leadership roles.

I consider NDLEA to be a model for other government agencies. According to Adedokun, these cars have undergone standardization and are suitable for their intended use.

38 SUVs were sent to Zonal Commands, Strategic Commands, and State Commands across the country, while 10 sedans were sent to ten directorates, the agency reported.

15 recently promoted Commanders of Narcotics (CN) were honored as Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN) at the ceremony’s conclusion, according to what was understood.