Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested no fewer than 14,480 suspected drug traffickers between January and October 2024.
During the same time period, operatives recovered 2.4 million kilograms of illicit drugs from seaports, airports, land borders, and communities across the country.
Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd), the NDLEA’s Chairman and CEO, disclosed this during a briefing with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs, who were on an oversight visit to the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
This was detailed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi.
“We can say with certainty that we are on course to exceed the performance of the previous three years. Between January 1 and October 30, 2024, we recorded 14,480 arrests of drug offenders, including 15 drug barons. During the same period, we secured 2,867 convictions in court,” Marwa stated.
He also mentioned that operatives had located and destroyed 547,378 kilograms of cannabis plantations.
“Our seizures in 10 months amounted to 2.4 million kilograms of illicit drugs, which surpassed last year’s record. We successfully located and destroyed 547,378 kilograms of cannabis plantations. Similarly, our drug demand reduction figures are positive.
“In the past 10 months, the agency counselled and rehabilitated 6,655 drug users. Additionally, we conducted a total of 3,064 awareness campaigns and sensitisation lectures in schools, motor parks, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, reaching 1,327,181 people.”
Marwa highlighted important accomplishments reached in 2024, including the largest single heroin seizure in the agency’s history—51.90 kg at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in February.
He also cited the successful arrests of notorious drug lords, the achievement of life jail sentences for some offenders, and the recent passage of the NDLEA Act modification bill.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, Hon. Abass Adigun, lauded the agency’s leadership and workers for their devotion while operating under trying conditions.
“As we carry out our oversight responsibilities, I assure you of our committee’s unwavering support in ensuring that the NDLEA remains adequately equipped to fulfil its mission.
“This includes advocating for improved funding, modern tools, and a conducive working environment for all staff,” Adigun assured.
