The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Buba Marwa, shared that the agency has arrested 77,859 suspects and seized over 14.8 million kilograms of illegal drugs in the past five years.
Marwa made this announcement on Tuesday during the signing of Executive Orders aimed at fighting drug abuse and promoting social reorientation by Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi.
At the event in the Council Chamber, Government House, Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, Marwa, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the agency, said, "I stand before this distinguished audience gathered here today not merely to inaugurate a committee, but to fortify a frontline in the battle for the soul of our youths and the stability of our nation."
He warned that drug abuse is driving insecurity and economic problems in the country. "Let us be clear, drug abuse is the silent pandemic fueling the insecurity and economic sabotage we face today. It erodes the productivity of our greatest asset, our youth," Marwa said.
Marwa explained that the agency has shifted from reactive to proactive operations, achieving significant results between 2021 and 2025. "Between January 2021 and December 2025, our balanced approach has yielded unprecedented results with 77,859 arrests, including 240 high-profile drug barons who thought they were untouchable.
"Over 14.8 million kilograms of illicit substances were intercepted while 14,122 convictions were secured within the period," proving that the time of impunity is over.
"In the same vein, over 50,000 individuals have been counselled and rehabilitated across 31 of our treatment centres nationwide, moving from the darkness of dependence to the light of productivity," Marwa stated.
He praised the Jigawa State Government for taking steps against drug abuse and insecurity. "Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Umar Namadi, Jigawa is proving that proactive governance is the best antidote to social malaise," he added.
Marwa called the inauguration of the State Task Force a "Jigawa Model of Excellence" and encouraged other states to follow this example. "I call upon other State Governments across the Federation to look toward Dutse today and emulate this strategic blueprint for domesticating the war against drug abuse," he said.
Regarding the leadership of the new task force, Marwa commended the appointment of CN Ibrahim Braji (retd.) as Coordinator. "The appointment of CN Ibrahim Braji (Rtd) as Coordinator is a masterstroke. Having served as an NDLEA State Commander, he brings a veteran’s perspective and a strategist’s precision," Marwa noted.
He urged the Coordinator to provide strong leadership in the fight against drugs in the state. "To the Coordinator: your track record precedes you, and we expect nothing less than transformative leadership," he added.
Marwa reported that the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative has reached over five million Nigerians with prevention messages. "Through our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, we haven’t just cleared the streets, we have cleared minds," he said.
He pointed out that while the North West has a drug prevalence rate of about 12%, Jigawa is at 7%, but warned against getting too comfortable. "Data tells us that the North West faces a drug prevalence rate of roughly 12%. Yet, Jigawa stands at 7%. Let us not mistake a lower percentage for a permanent shield.
"This Task Force is a preemptive strike. It is about ensuring that the 7% does not climb, but instead drops toward zero. We are therefore here to protect the ‘Jigawa Advantage,’" he stated.
Governor Umar Namadi also spoke, stating that the two signed Executive Orders aim to safeguard the future of Jigawa youths. "I am delighted that we are gathered today for this significant event in our collective effort to protect the promise of our young people and renew the moral strength of our communities," Governor Namadi said.
He expressed appreciation for the presence of Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) at the event, emphasizing the importance of the cause at hand. Namadi explained that the Orders align with his administration’s 12-Point Agenda to tackle drug abuse and promote civic values.
"The two Executive Orders directly address these commitments: one establishes a structured campaign against drug abuse. The other promotes patriotism, honesty, discipline, respect for the law and civic responsibility," he stated.
The governor noted that the August 2024 protests showed how idle and misguided youths can be drawn into violence. He added that "the violence recorded in many States, including Jigawa, exposed how easily young people can be drawn into destructive conduct when frustration, misinformation and idleness converge."
Namadi highlighted that with over 60% of Nigerians under age 30, the youth need proper guidance to avoid becoming a burden. "A youthful population is a powerful asset only when it is educated, skilled, healthy and morally grounded. A major threat is drug and substance abuse," the governor warned.
In his vote of thanks, the Jigawa State Coordinator of the new Task Force, CN Ibrahim Braji (Rtd), made a commitment. Braji said the Task Force will work with communities, traditional and religious leaders to identify drug hotspots and support victims.
He assured that the mandate is operational and not just symbolic, adding that offenders will face the law while those seeking help will be treated with compassion.
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