The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it confiscated illicit drugs valued at more than ₦1.5 trillion, arrested over 29,000 suspects and secured 5,225 convictions between January 2025 and June 2026.
The figures were disclosed on Wednesday by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), at the opening of the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja.
Marwa said operatives seized 5,305,484.88 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs during the 18-month period while arresting 29,262 suspected traffickers across the country.
He, however, stressed that enforcement alone would not end Nigeria’s drug problem, calling for a coordinated national response involving government institutions, communities, families, religious organisations, civil society, development partners and the media.
According to him, the summit was convened to develop a comprehensive National Action Plan aimed at strengthening drug prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, policy implementation, data collection and community resilience.
The NDLEA boss also highlighted the agency’s efforts to reduce drug demand, revealing that it conducted 6,645 sensitisation programmes in schools, worship centres, markets, motor parks, workplaces, correctional facilities and communities, reaching nearly five million Nigerians.
He added that 13,508 people battling substance dependence received counselling, treatment and rehabilitation through the agency’s 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide.
Marwa further disclosed that the NDLEA had introduced an Alternative Development Initiative to support cannabis farmers in transitioning to legitimate agricultural enterprises and other sustainable sources of income.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks, preventing substance abuse and expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation services.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Adamu Ibrahim Kana, Akume said drug trafficking continued to threaten national development by undermining institutions and exploiting vulnerable communities.
He said the Tinubu administration would continue to strengthen mental health services, empower young people and support initiatives aimed at protecting Nigerians from the dangers of illicit drugs.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, urged stakeholders to ensure the summit delivers practical outcomes rather than another policy document, stressing the need to reduce drug use and restore affected families.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also called for stronger collaboration and evidence-based interventions to address evolving drug use patterns and support the implementation of Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan.