Marwa Charges NDLEA Commanders to Crush Drug Cartels in 2026

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has outlined aggressive 2026 targets for commanders to eradicate drug cartels and expand anti-drug awareness across Nigeria. This directive came during a key strategic meeting in Abuja on January 23, 2026, attended by top agency leaders including zonal commanders, state heads, and special unit officers.

Meeting Highlights

The annual review and planning session at NDLEA headquarters focused on consolidating gains from prior years, with Marwa declaring 2026 as a period of “unprecedented consolidation” in drug supply reduction and demand reduction efforts. He praised the agency’s momentum, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s renewal of his tenure until 2031 reflects field successes like seizures, arrests, and convictions. Marwa stressed zero tolerance for compromise, urging thorough planning, reinforcements when needed, and professional conduct to avoid casualties.

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Key Directives Issued

• Dismantle financial networks of drug barons through intensified operations.
• Strengthen State Drug Control Committees down to local government levels, ensuring all states have functional units.
• Ramp up sensitization in schools, communities, and wards nationwide.

Marwa emphasized collective responsibility, calling on Nigerians to report suspicious activities amid the agency’s heightened commitment to youth protection.

Past Achievements Fueling Momentum

Over five years under Marwa, NDLEA arrested 77,792 suspects including 128 drug barons, secured 14,225 convictions, and seized over 14.8 million kg of illicit drugs, disrupting trafficking networks. In 2025’s first 10 months alone, the agency made 16,304 arrests and prosecuted over 3,000 offenders while expanding rehabilitation for 32,000 users and conducting 13,700 WADA programs. These results position 2026 for even greater impact, with no respite for cartels.