Fawaz Adebisi
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has revealed that in three years, 1,057.33348 hectares of cannabis farmland was destroyed as 50,901 perpetrators were also arrested.
The chairman of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa revealed this on Monday while at the commissioning and handing over ceremony of an operational facility built and donated to NDLEA by the British government in Lagos.
Marwa added that within the period, the agency prosecuted and convicted 9,034 of the perpetrators, seize 7,561 tonnes of illicit substances as well as 46 drug barons.
In his words, the development has sent the right message to drug cartels and their kingpins that Nigeria won’t tolerate their criminal activities.
Marwa said, “As an agency, NDLEA has undergone a tremendous reformation, with its metamorphosis catalysed by partners like the UK. Our operations have undergone substantial reforms, resulting in remarkable achievements within the last three years.
“During this period, the NDLEA achieved significant milestones in its mission to combat drug trafficking and abuse. With a total of 50,901 arrests, including the apprehension of 46 drug barons, our agency has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to bringing those involved in illicit drug activities to justice. Furthermore, the conviction of 9,034 offenders underscores our relentless pursuit of accountability and deterrence in the fight against drug-related crimes.
“Our seizure of 7,560,748.5 kilograms (7,561 tonnes) not only disrupts the flow of illegal drugs but also serves as a significant blow to the criminal networks responsible for their distribution. We have taken decisive action against illicit drug crop cultivation with our search-and-destroy campaign against cannabis plantations which have led to the destruction of 1,057.33348 hectares of cannabis farms in the past three years.”
He therefore said the agency will continue to make perpetrators pay for their crime.
Speaking on the commissioning, he said, this building complex stands not only as a physical structure but as a symbol of the enduring partnership between our two nations in the global fight against drug trafficking. It represents the culmination of years of cooperation, mutual trust, and shared determination to combat one of the most pressing threats to our societies.
“The significance of this project cannot be overstated. It will serve as a vital hub for data analysis and strategic planning in our efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and apprehend those responsible. With state-of-the-art facilities and technology at our disposal, we are better equipped than ever before to tackle this complex and ever-evolving challenge head-on.
“But beyond the bricks and mortar, this building complex embodies the spirit of collaboration and solidarity that defines our partnership with the British Government. It is a testament to what can be achieved when nations come together with a shared purpose and a shared commitment to making our world a safer place for all.”
In the same vein, he thanked the British government for their cooperation to facilitate the fight against drug abuse globally.
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