… Hails Historic Achievements
In a landmark development underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and substance abuse, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has celebrated the monumental achievements of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) under the stewardship of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), proclaiming it as a source of immense pride for President Tinubu’s administration.
In a media statement, HURIWA highlighted NDLEA’s unwavering commitment to dismantling drug cartels and prosecuting offenders, stressing that recent achievements stand as beacon of hope in the ongoing battle against illicit drugs in Nigeria.
The foremost civil rights advocacy group commended these accomplishments, recognizing them as the most significant in the history of NDLEA and a testament to effective leadership and strategic partnerships.
“Under the visionary leadership of Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, NDLEA has executed a relentless campaign against drug trafficking networks, resulting in unprecedented success. The agency’s recent report reveals staggering statistics, including the arrest of 50,901 drug offenders, among them 46 barons, and the conviction of 9,034 individuals involved in illicit drug activities. These numbers underscore the agency’s determination to bring perpetrators to justice and send a clear message to drug cartels that their criminal activities will not be tolerated,” HURIWA applauded.
HURIWA further noted that the seizure of over 7,561 tonnes of illicit substances, destruction of 304,436kg kilograms and 40,042 litres of illicit substances seized from parts of Lagos and Ogun states as reported by the Agency, represent a significant blow to the operations of drug syndicates, disrupting their nefarious activities and safeguarding communities from the harmful effects of drug abuse.
However, the Association underlined that NDLEA’s efforts extend beyond mere enforcement, as demonstrated by their proactive approach to combating drug cultivation through initiatives such as the search-and-destroy campaign against cannabis plantations, destroying over1,057 hectares of illicit farms.
HURIWA, also, acknowledged the pivotal role played by strategic partnerships in enhancing NDLEA’s operational capabilities, including the generous support extended by the British government, exemplified by the commissioning of a state-of-the-art operational facility.
According to HURIWA, it underscores the importance of international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking, stressing that the collaborative efforts between Nigeria and the UK exemplify what can be achieved through shared determination and mutual trust.
“Moreover, NDLEA’s collaboration with other international agencies such as the American Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA), United Kingdom NCA, Border Force, and various others, reflects a global commitment to addressing the transnational nature of drug trafficking. These partnerships have facilitated intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and capacity-building initiatives, further strengthening NDLEA’s position in the global fight against illicit drugs”.
Therefore, HURIWA recognized the NDLEA under Marwa’s leadership as a beacon of excellence and a source of pride for President Tinubu’s administration. The association stated that the agency’s achievements under Marwa reflect a concerted effort toward realizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians. “NDLEA’s proactive measures, including the open destruction of seized illicit drugs in compliance with court orders, demonstrate transparency and accountability in its operations.
“As NDLEA continues its relentless pursuit of eradicating drug-related crimes, HURIWA calls for increased public support and collaboration with law enforcement agencies. The safety and security of society are collective responsibilities, and every citizen has a role to play in combating drug abuse and trafficking. We urge Nigerians to join hands with the NDLEA in its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, contributing to the creation of a safer and more secure future for generations to come”.
In conclusion, HURIWA further applauded NDLEA under the dynamic leadership of Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa for its outstanding achievements in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse, emphasizing that these accomplishments represent a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for a drug-free society and serve as a testament to the power of effective leadership, strategic partnerships, and collective action.
*Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko,*
National Coordinator, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
April 16, 2024.
