Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Ret.), Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has urged the international community to demonstrate unity and resolve to dismantle criminal drug networks.
He stressed that these networks pose a severe threat to global peace, stability, and the collective future of nations.
Addressing the 80th United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee Plenary Session in New York on Monday, October 13, Marwa declared that the world can no longer afford to be held hostage by the illicit drug trade.
In a statement released on Tuesday, October 14, by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, and sent to Persecondnews, Marwa said that, “Given the transnational nature of the drug problem, Nigeria prioritizes international cooperation and intelligence sharing.
“We have signed memoranda of understanding with several countries and maintain strong partnerships with the UNODC, EU, DEA, INL, NCA, BKA, and others.
“These collaborations have led to major seizures, arrests of high-profile traffickers, and successful prosecutions — all with full regards to human rights.
“Madam Chair, the world can no longer be held hostage by the illicit drug trade. We must stand together — resolute and united — to dismantle the networks that threaten our peace, stability, and collective future.”
While stating that the theme of the 80th UNGA Plenary Session of the 3rd Committee rightly recognised that the world’s drug problem is a multidimensional global challenge that requires coordinated and collective action, Marwa said Nigeria is already responding with strategic, evidence-based interventions to curb the menace.
He said: “We have strengthened measures against money laundering linked to drug proceeds, while expanding care and support for individuals affected by drug use through treatment in rehabilitation centres, opioid substitution therapy, and safer needle exchange programmes.
“Cannabis remains the most commonly abused drug in Nigeria. To address this, we are implementing the Alternative Development Programme, engaging communities to replace illicit cannabis cultivation with legitimate livelihoods, while promoting food security and environmental protection.
“Our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative continues to mobilise all sectors of society in nationwide sensitization, reinforcing collective responsibility in protecting families and communities from the dangers of drug abuse.
“We are also tackling emerging challenges — including new psychoactive substances and the use of the Dark Web for trafficking. Nigeria is taking decisive action against the illicit production and trafficking of methamphetamine by preventing the diversion of precursor chemicals and dismantling clandestine laboratories.
“The effective implementation of our National Drug Control Master Plan has strengthened collaboration among stakeholders and yielded measurable results.
“In advancing social justice, Nigeria operates a 24/7 toll-free drug call centre, staffed by professionals offering counselling in major Nigerian languages. This service bridges the treatment gap and combats stigma associated with drug use.”
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