The Chairman of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called on the international community to unite in dismantling the criminal drug networks that threaten global peace and stability.
Speaking at the 80th United Nations General Assembly Plenary Session in New York, he warned that the world can no longer afford to be held hostage by the illicit drug trade.
The NDLEA Chairman stressed that the transnational nature of the drug problem necessitates stronger international cooperation and intelligence sharing.
He noted that Nigeria has actively pursued this through memoranda of understanding with several countries and robust partnerships with organizations like the UNODC and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
According to Brig. Gen. Marwa, rtd, these collaborations have yielded major drug seizures, arrests of high-profile traffickers, and successful prosecutions, all while upholding human rights.
Detailing Nigeria’s domestic response, the NDLEA chief outlined evidence-based interventions under the National Drug Control Master Plan.
These efforts include cracking down on money laundering linked to drug proceeds and expanding rehabilitation services.
He highlighted the operation of a 24-hour toll-free drug call center that provides multilingual counseling, bridging treatment gaps and fighting stigma.
The NDLEA boss also pointed to an Alternative Development Programme aimed at replacing illicit cannabis cultivation with legitimate livelihoods that promote food security.
He further cautioned against emerging threats such as new psychoactive substances and the use of the Dark Web for drug trafficking, confirming that Nigeria is taking decisive action to dismantle clandestine methamphetamine laboratories.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to global drug control, Brig. Gen. Marwa, retired urged world leaders to remain steadfast, insisting that collective action is the only path to safeguarding the future of all nations.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen