The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (retd.), has revealed that the agency has confiscated more than 6,668 tonnes of illicit substances in the span of two years.
Marwa made this announcement while responding to a request from Governor Dikko Radda for a partnership and the deployment of additional NDLEA personnel throughout Katsina.
The statement was released by Mr. Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, on Friday in Abuja.
During the same period, over 36,096 suspects have been arrested, with more than 6,043 successfully prosecuted and convicted. Marwa emphasized the severity of the drug problem, which has adversely impacted the lives of numerous Nigerian youths and communities.
He described it as “public enemy number one,” particularly concerning its contribution to criminal activities. Marwa noted that 99 percent of criminals must first have access to drugs and be under the influence to commit some of their unlawful acts.
“That is why the NDLEA under the collective support of the directorates and management, has put all efforts towards operation ‘offensive action’.
“This operation involves going out to seize all drugs cultivated, imported, or on the verge of being exported out of the country.
“More than 6,668 tonnes of illicit substances have been seized in two years, and this is the drug supply reduction aspect.
“We have also arrested the perpetrators of the act, and more than 36,096 suspects have been arrested and more than 6,043 already prosecuted and convicted within this period.”
Marwa stressed that another side of the fight was drug demand reduction, which focused on the prevention, treatment, and aftercare of drug-dependent persons.
“The preventive measure targets those who have not started or are about to start drug use.
“They are targeted through advocacy and sensitisation across all levels.
“It is for this reason we structured the War Against Drug Abuse initiative from the National to Local Government Area levels,” he said.
He promised that the agency would keep working nonstop until all drugs were removed from the streets.
Radda had stated earlier that the state needed and valued the synergy.
He claims that the NDLEA has been working very hard to support the government, and that is acknowledged by the Katsina State Government.
“But we still need more support from the chairman to stop the movement of drugs and ensure the arrest and prosecution of dealers in the state.”
The governor appealed for better partnership and synergy to reduce the abuse of drugs, the activities of banditry and trafficking in the state.
“We appeal to the NDLEA for support, and on behalf of the Katsina State Government, we appreciate the NDLEA for the work you are doing.
“We hope this visit enhances a better working relationship between the NDLEA and the state,” he said.