You'd be amazed at the scale of the illicit drug trade in Nigeria. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently announced the seizure of ₦1.5 trillion worth of illicit drugs in the last 18 months, with over 29,000 suspects arrested and 5,225 convictions secured. This is not just a fight against crime; it's also a battle for the future of Nigeria's youth.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to join forces to combat the rise of drug abuse, citing its threats to families, schools, workplaces, and national security. Speaking at the grand finale of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Tinubu warned that substance abuse requires constant vigilance, adaptability, and collective action.

The President urged parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders, the media, and the private sector to support drug prevention and rehabilitation efforts. He also commended the leadership and personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for their efforts in tackling the menace.

The event also featured the presentation of prizes to winners of the NDLEA inter-secondary school essay competition, with the top three recipients receiving ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200,000 respectively. Persecondnews reports that the Senate President Godswill Akpabio represented by Senator Sadiq, while the Senate President's spokesperson, did not have an immediate comment on the event.

Retired Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, the Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, said the agency has been resolute and not blinking in the face of sophisticated threats from drug cartels. He revealed that joint operations with the US Drug Enforcement Administration and authorities in Greece, France, and Switzerland dismantled the notorious Amadi Simon drug cartel. The agency also disrupted a transcontinental methamphetamine cartel, arresting suspected drug baron Innocent Anochili, three Mexican nationals, and six Nigerian accomplices.

Marwa said the NDLEA has arrested 234 drug barons over the past five years, dismantling major trafficking networks across the country. The agency has also been expanding its use of technology, deep-web intelligence, and advanced data analytics to tackle emerging drug threats.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) commended Nigeria's balanced approach to drug control, describing it as evidence-based and aligned with global best practices.

"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," Marwa said.

  • The NDLEA seized ₦1.5 trillion worth of illicit drugs in the last 18 months.
  • Over 29,000 suspects were arrested during this period.
  • 5,225 convictions were secured.
  • The agency arrested 234 drug barons over the past five years.
  • The NDLEA has been expanding its use of technology, deep-web intelligence, and advanced data analytics to tackle emerging drug threats.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been in the forefront of the fight against drug abuse in Nigeria, with a strong commitment to eradicating the illicit trade. Founded in 1990, the agency has been working towards reducing the supply and demand of drugs in the country. The NDLEA has been involved in several operations that have led to the arrest of high-profile drug dealers and the seizure of large quantities of illicit drugs.