Brig-Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), the Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has expressed confidence that the agency’s ongoing successes in drug supply and demand reduction efforts will continue to justify the support it receives from international partners, particularly the United States. Marwa made this statement during the commissioning of a central exhibit office, a facility donated by the US government to NDLEA at the agency’s headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The facility, which was handed over to Marwa by the US Consulate General, Ms. Jo Ellen Georg, is a crucial addition to NDLEA’s operational infrastructure. Marwa commended the United States as a dependable ally in Nigeria’s fight against drug-related crimes, highlighting that their collaboration has significantly boosted the agency’s operational capacity. He emphasized the importance of the new office for securely handling evidence, which is vital for the successful prosecution of drug-related cases. Marwa noted that the donation strengthens NDLEA’s operational framework and sets a new standard for accountability and transparency in drug law enforcement, further enhancing the security and future of both nations.
Despite the agency’s achievements, Marwa acknowledged that the fight against drug trafficking and abuse remains an ongoing challenge. In 2024 alone, NDLEA seized over 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs, arrested more than 18,500 offenders, and convicted over 3,250 individuals, including 10 drug barons. The agency also rehabilitated over 8,200 individuals and carried out more than 3,000 sensitization and advocacy programs nationwide.
Marwa reiterated the need for continued international collaboration, emphasizing the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the challenges posed by illicit drugs. He called for further support, particularly in areas like capacity building, advanced surveillance technology, and operational logistics. Marwa expressed his gratitude to the US government and other partners for their ongoing support in the fight against drug-related crimes.
In her address, US Consul General Ms. Jo Ellen Georg highlighted the strong partnership between Nigeria and the US, rooted in democratic values. She praised Marwa for leveraging this partnership to achieve remarkable results in the fight against drug trafficking. She also noted that the newly donated office space would provide a secure environment for NDLEA officers to conduct investigations, process arrestees, and perform post-arrest interviews, further strengthening the agency’s capabilities in combating illicit drug activities.
©The advocate