By Emmanuel Onwubiko
I will very much love to begin this reflection on the milestones, challenges, prospects of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the outgoing year 2024, by deploying the citation of a scholarly study by the reputable researchers viz Majdoleen Omar Balawi, Shaker Jaralla Alkshali, who, in their piece titled: “Achieving organisational success through strategic renewal,” affirmed as follows: “Success for organizations is the main goal it seeks to achieve. Every organization seeks to achieve success, survival, growth and continuity, and to achieve sustainable superiority over its counterparts from competing organizations.
These scholars argued that in light of environmental, technological and cognitive developments, it has become imperative for organizations to respond quickly to these changes in order to ensure its continuity, or it was destroyed and disappeared with the organizations that were unable to keep pace with developments and developments, so
there is no longer a place for the negligent, so every organization is looking for a way to ensure its continuity within the capabilities and resources it owns, and it is a legitimate right but a duty for every organization to search for it and stick to it, because there is no an organization looking for failure or failure to achieve its goals for which it was established, so it is necessary to work hard and constantly strive for survival and success.
Strategic renewal is considered one of the modern concepts and philosophies that organizations are adopting in order to distinguish and excel over their competitors by adapting to the external and internal environment, and working to exploit the available opportunities by allocating resources, capabilities and capabilities for this purpose, in addition to exploring new opportunities and trying to invest them also through allocate the necessary resources for this, so that it can work on renewing itself and continue in the fields of excellence and distinction.
In order for organizations to be able to succeed, survive, continue and sustain themselves, and renew themselves strategically, they need to have the tools, methods, capabilities and capabilities that enable them to achieve those goals.
Therefore, organizations have been searching diligently to develop their capabilities so that they can keep pace with developments, changes and environmental challenges Universities are the same as the organizations that are looking for survival, growth and continuity, whether they are public or private universities. The NDLEA is making waves in the area of organisational success largely due to the charisma of the Chairman of the agency: Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa and his competent management team members.
Also, Professor Chinua Achebe of blessed memory in his book ‘The Trouble with Nigeria’, stated that inefficiency and ineffectiveness of leaders are the driving forces of organisational failures.
Achebe wrote thus: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character. There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian and or climate or water or air or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, to the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership.” In MDLEA, there are abundance of evidence that the head of that counter Narcotic agency is an exemplary leader.
On the NDLEA’S 2024 Counter Narcotic Wars:
As the sun sets on 2024, Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) stands at the pinnacle of its most successful year yet in the war against narcotics. Spearheaded by the indefatigable Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), the agency has recorded groundbreaking achievements, dismantling sophisticated drug cartels, forging international partnerships, and redefining the global perception of Nigeria’s drug enforcement capacity. Yet, these successes are not without their challenges. This year’s campaign has been a showcase of resilience, professionalism, and strategic innovation, positioning the NDLEA as a model for counter-narcotic efforts across Africa.
A defining feature of NDLEA’s 2024 success story is its maritime command, which has significantly curtailed the movement of illicit drugs via Nigeria’s waterways. Upgraded to a full-fledged command in 2022, this unit has since evolved into a formidable force. Recent operations have led to the interception of over 61,000 kilograms of illicit drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and cannabis. These efforts were bolstered by international allies such as the British government, which funded the state-of-the-art Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos.
The NDLEA’s collaboration with maritime agencies, including the Nigerian Navy and Customs Service, has been pivotal. A joint operation earlier this year uncovered a network of traffickers utilizing modified pump boats and luxury yachts to smuggle drugs. Such intelligence-driven actions highlight the NDLEA’s capacity to adapt to the evolving strategies of drug cartels.
The success of these operations is also tied to the use of advanced surveillance tools and data-driven tactics. By leveraging maritime monitoring technologies, the NDLEA has effectively tracked suspicious vessel movements, narrowing down potential smuggling routes. This integration of technology has reduced reaction times and improved interception rates, demonstrating a strategic alignment with global best practices.
One of the NDLEA’s standout achievements has been the dismantling of a cocaine trafficking ring operating across Lagos and Ogun States. Acting on actionable intelligence, the agency seized several billion-naira worth of cocaine and arrested key players, including a couple attempting to transport 47.5 kilograms of the substance to Ghana. The operation’s precision reflects the agency’s emphasis on intelligence gathering and predictive analytics, a strategy that has become its hallmark.
Similarly, the agency’s strike force neutralized a syndicate trafficking fentanyl; a synthetic opioid causing global concern. Operations in Lagos’ Idumota Market resulted in the seizure of 6.48 kilograms of the deadly substance, further solidifying the NDLEA’s reputation as a leader in intelligence-led operations.
These achievements have ripple effects beyond Nigeria’s borders. By intercepting narcotics destined for international markets, the NDLEA has disrupted supply chains that fuel global drug networks. This proactive approach not only protects Nigerian citizens but also reinforces the country’s role as a critical ally in the global fight against drugs.
The NDLEA’s achievements this year have been amplified by robust international partnerships. The United Kingdom’s contributions, including training programs and infrastructure, have been transformative. French police tactical units have also trained NDLEA’s elite squads, enhancing their operational capabilities. Such collaborations underscore the global nature of the narcotics challenge and the need for united efforts.
Notably, the NDLEA’s partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has led to critical disruptions in drug trafficking networks. These alliances have facilitated knowledge exchange and provided cutting-edge tools, enabling the agency to intercept narcotics destined for international markets.
Additionally, memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with foreign governments have institutionalized these collaborations, ensuring sustained support and resource sharing. For instance, the French government’s sponsorship of special operations training for NDLEA officers has enhanced their capacity to conduct high-stakes missions, elevating the agency’s operational readiness.
While much of the NDLEA’s focus has been on curbing trafficking, the agency has not neglected the rising tide of domestic drug abuse. Nigeria’s youth and women are increasingly falling prey to addiction, a trend that threatens the nation’s social fabric. This year, the NDLEA ramped up public sensitization campaigns, collaborating with schools, religious organizations, and community leaders.
One notable initiative was the 2024 North Central National Sensitization Workshop on Narcotic Drugs, held in Nasarawa State. The event highlighted the role of community participation in combating drug abuse, particularly among women and youth. The workshop’s theme, “Community Participation: Critical Stakeholders Support in Fight Against Drug Abuse,” resonated across the region, fostering grassroots collaboration.
The agency also initiated the “Youth Against Drugs” campaign, targeting secondary and tertiary institutions nationwide. This program emphasizes preventive measures, encouraging young people to make informed choices about substance use. Additionally, partnerships with NGOs and community-based organizations have expanded the NDLEA’s reach, bringing educational materials and counseling services to underserved areas.
To further strengthen its outreach, the NDLEA launched a nationwide media campaign emphasizing the dangers of drug abuse. Public service announcements aired on radio and television, accompanied by social media engagements aimed at younger audiences. These efforts highlight the agency’s adaptability in utilizing diverse communication channels to reach various demographics.
Despite its successes, the NDLEA faces persistent challenges. Drug cartels are becoming more sophisticated, employing advanced technology and unconventional methods. The agency’s resources, though improved, remain stretched. For instance, while international donations have bolstered maritime operations, other areas require similar investment.
Public perception also poses a hurdle. The stigma surrounding drug addiction often prevents individuals from seeking help, complicating the NDLEA’s efforts to address abuse. Moreover, insufficient inter-agency coordination at times hinders the seamless execution of operations.
Another critical issue is the lack of comprehensive rehabilitation centers. While the NDLEA has made strides in intercepting drugs and traffickers, addressing the needs of addicts remains a significant gap. The absence of well-funded, accessible treatment facilities undermines the broader goal of reducing drug dependency nationwide.
At the heart of the NDLEA’s resurgence is Brig. Gen. Marwa, whose visionary leadership has redefined the agency’s operational framework. Marwa’s emphasis on accountability, innovation, and international collaboration has yielded tangible results. His ability to galvanize support from local and global stakeholders is a testament to his charisma and strategic acumen.
Marwa’s leadership extends beyond enforcement. His advocacy for drug policy reform and community involvement has sparked nationwide conversations. Under his watch, the NDLEA has not only apprehended traffickers but also addressed the socio-economic factors fueling drug abuse.
The agency’s internal reforms under Marwa have also been noteworthy. A new performance evaluation system ensures that officers are held accountable for their duties, while incentives for outstanding performance have boosted morale. These changes have created a culture of excellence, enabling the NDLEA to attract and retain top talent.
The NDLEA’s 2024 campaign has set a high bar for the future. To sustain and surpass this momentum, technological advancements must be prioritized, including investment in AI-powered surveillance systems and advanced drug detection tools to enhance operational efficiency. Enhanced training programs for personnel, especially in emerging areas like cybercrime related to drug trafficking, will ensure the agency remains ahead of the curve. Community engagement should be strengthened through grassroots initiatives, particularly in rural areas, to address the root causes of drug abuse.
Advocacy for stronger drug laws and increased funding will provide the NDLEA with the resources needed to expand its operations. Collaborating with private entities for funding and expertise can complement government efforts. Establishing state-of-the-art rehabilitation centers nationwide is crucial to addressing the long-term consequences of drug abuse and providing addicts with a path to recovery. Deepening collaborations with global agencies will enhance the NDLEA’s ability to anticipate and counter transnational drug trafficking networks.
Awareness campaigns leveraging social media and traditional platforms can amplify the NDLEA’s message, reaching diverse audiences and fostering a national movement against drug abuse. Engaging lawmakers to craft policies that balance enforcement with rehabilitation and prevention can strengthen the nation’s overall response to drug-related issues.
The NDLEA’s 2024 counter-narcotic war has been a resounding success, characterized by strategic ingenuity, international collaboration, and unwavering commitment. While challenges persist, the agency’s achievements under Brig. Gen. Marwa’s leadership offers a blueprint for sustained progress. By addressing systemic gaps and fostering a united front against narcotics, the NDLEA can transform Nigeria into a model nation in the global fight against drugs.
As we look ahead, one thing is clear: the NDLEA is not just winning battles but also laying the foundation for a drug-free Nigeria. This year’s victories are a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, innovation, and collaboration; a legacy that will undoubtedly inspire future efforts.
*Emmanuel Onwubiko is head of the HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA And Was NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA.
