NDLEA drug control

ABUJA – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended two individuals attempting to smuggle cocaine by posing as intending Hajj pilgrims. Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, made this startling revelation. He sounded an alarm about criminals despicably exploiting sacred religious pilgrimages for drug trafficking. This incident underscores ongoing challenges in NDLEA drug control.

Marwa addressed the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control opening in Abuja. “Just a few days ago, we arrested two would-be pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. They swallowed cocaine, pretending to be going to the country to pray,” he disclosed. These NDLEA Hajj pilgrims cocaine arrests expose a disturbing trend.

The Buba Marwa NDLEA chief voiced deep concern over traffickers who manipulate religious sentiments for their illicit trade. He recounted a previous case where criminals tricked three unsuspecting women. The women were offered all-expenses-paid pilgrimages, only to be used as unknowing drug mules. “Unknown to them, cocaine had been sewn into the lining of the bag,” Marwa stated grimly.

NDLEA’s Resilient Fight Against Drugs

Despite resource limitations, Buba Marwa NDLEA leader emphasized the agency’s unwavering resolve and improving operational success. “Instead, we stay resolute, drawing strength from our shared vision, commitment, and collective responsibility to overcome this limitation,” he affirmed.

Reviewing NDLEA drug control achievements from 2023–2024 under the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025), Marwa shared impressive figures:

31,334 drug offenders were arrested.
6,839 convictions were secured.
Over 4.3 million kilograms of illicit substances were seized.
426 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed.
19,033 individuals received rehabilitation services.

Stronger Laws to Bolster Drug War

Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking is gaining momentum, with hopes pinned on the amended NDLEA Act awaiting presidential assent. “One such step is the amendment of the NDLEA Act, which is expected to significantly strengthen the agency’s institutional capacity,” Marwa explained. This will further empower NDLEA drug control.

Representing the Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution, highlighted the strong partnership between the ministry and NDLEA. “The Federal Ministry of Justice has worked together with the NDLEA to ensure that our national legal system effectively supports the drug control efforts of the Agency,” he stated. Abubakar added that effectively managing the proceeds of crime is crucial to dismantling powerful drug trafficking networks.

By Abdullah Korede