The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have launched a weeklong campaign for World Drug Day 2026 in Abuja, with a sharp focus on synthetic drugs and the growing threat of digital illicit markets.

NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa, a retired brigadier-general, said at a joint press briefing on Friday that this year's theme — "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses" — reflects how the global drug landscape has changed. He pointed to synthetic substances, sophisticated trafficking networks, and online platforms where drugs are now traded.

"Old strategies can't solve new problems," Marwa said. He stressed that the agency has modernised its operations and strengthened the balance between enforcement and prevention through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative. WADA now uses data, community intelligence, and public enlightenment tools to prevent drug abuse, especially among young people.

Marwa said the NDLEA's "Offensive Action" against drug cartels has continued, leading to arrests, prosecutions, and the dismantling of trafficking networks. He also said the agency is targeting the financial structures of traffickers through asset forfeiture under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), effectively cutting off their lifelines.

The week's programme started on Friday, June 19, with the press briefing and a Juma'at service at the National Mosque in Abuja at 1:30pm. On Saturday, June 20, a "Walk Against Drugs" will be held in collaboration with Baze University, Nile University, and the MTN Foundation. Participants will gather at the African University of Science and Technology in Galadimawa at 8:00am.

Sunday, June 21, will feature a Thanksgiving Church Service for spiritual reflection and recommitment to the anti-drug campaign. Monday, June 22, will host the final stage of a national essay competition themed "Say No to Drugs: Building a Healthy and Responsible Generation" at NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.

Tuesday, June 23, is NGO Day at the NDLEA Conference Room, focusing on collaboration with civil society partners. Wednesday, June 24, will feature the Youth Out-of-School Programme targeting high-risk environments in FCT markets and motor parks with anti-drug sensitisation.

Thursday, June 25, will be dedicated to strategic planning sessions and final reviews ahead of the grand finale. The week will end on Friday, June 26, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, where government officials, diplomats, and international partners will unveil new policy directions on drug control.

Marwa thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, as well as international partners including the UNODC, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), UK agencies, France, and Germany. He also acknowledged cooperation with Nigerian security and regulatory agencies such as the Armed Forces, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, NAFDAC, NFIU, FRSC, and NSCDC.

UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Ousmane Toure, represented by Deputy Country Representative Danielo Campisi, said the global drug problem is evolving and requires adaptive responses. He stressed that no single institution can address the challenge alone, emphasising partnership, shared responsibility, and sustained action. Toure reaffirmed UNODC's commitment to supporting Nigeria through evidence-based, innovative, and human-centred approaches to strengthen the global response to drug trafficking and abuse.