News Investigators/ The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, (Rtd), has called for intensified efforts in drug prevention across all sectors of society.
Brig. Gen Marwa made the call on Friday at the National Mosque, Abuja, during a Jumat prayer held as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the global theme for this year’s World Drug Day is “Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
The NDLEA boss emphasised that the evidence was clear that prevention was more effective and less costly than rehabilitation.
Brig. Gen Marwa said the prayer session was meant to raise awareness, assess progress, and seek divine intervention in the fight against drug abuse.
“The purpose is to create awareness to this global drug problem, review what has happened in the preceding year.
“Also, to locate gaps, if any, and determine how we can improve the war against drug abuse and trafficking,” Marwa said.
Brig. Gen Marwa noted that the NDLEA had designated Friday for Muslim prayers and Sunday for Christian thanksgiving, invoking God’s guidance and expressing gratitude for the agency’s recorded successes.
According to him, the NDLEA under his leadership has made 66,085 arrests and 12,205 convictions, seized over 11,000 tons of illicit drugs, and destroyed more than 1,500 hectares of cannabis farmland.
He, however, said over 26,000 individuals have also undergone counselling and rehabilitation within the period.
“That’s like 400 trailers lined up over 15 kilometres. These are significant milestones, and we must thank God for them while praying for greater progress,” he said.
Brig. Gen Marwa commended President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in tackling unemployment and food insecurity, which he said were major root causes of drug abuse.
He urged state governors to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda by supporting youth employment and community development initiatives.
“When there is poverty and hunger, people fall into frustration and misery, which often lead them to seek relief through drugs,” he said.
Speaking on the theme, Brig. Gen Marwa stressed that prevention starts from the family and called for responsible parenting as a key pillar in drug control efforts.
He emphasised the importance of a whole-of-society approach, involving religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society, and labour unions.
Brig. Gen Marwa also disclosed that the NDLEA had conducted over 11,000 grassroots sensitisation campaigns in the past four years, reaching schools, markets, parks, and various public spaces.
“Parents must pay more attention, show more love and care, even when they don’t have much materially. Parenting is critical,” he said.
Speaking, Khalid Aliyu, an Imam at the Abuja National Mosque, urged Nigerians to intensify support for the NDLEA in its fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Prof. Aliyu, who described drug addiction as a tragic destroyer of lives and future, said that Islam strongly prohibited all forms of intoxicants.
He said that the religious community must not remain silent while drug abuse continues to wreak havoc in Nigerian society, especially among the youths.
“We are gathered here to advocate against drug abuse, trafficking, and the production and sale of narcotics.
“Islam has clearly warned against intoxicants. Drug abuse has tragically destroyed the lives, futures, and mental well-being of many young men and women in our society, ” he said.
The Imam described the scourge of drug abuse as a “nagging problem” that has led some youths into madness, criminality, and hopelessness.
He praised the NDLEA for its relentless efforts and “giant strides” in tackling the menace, adding that it was a fight that required collective action from all members of society.
He also stressed the importance of a spiritual and moral approach in addition to enforcement, and prayed for divine assistance for the NDLEA to continue its mandate effectively.
“It is not the responsibility of the NDLEA alone. This is a global fight recognised by the United Nations. Therefore, all hands must be on deck.
“We prayed for Allah’s support for the agency to check this growing challenge, so that our youths can become sober, introspective, and return to the right path,” he added.
NAN reports that the Jumat prayer is part of a week-long line-up of events, including a press conference, NGO engagement, quiz competition, and thanksgiving service, in commemoration of World Drug Day.
NAN
