NDLEA reports 38,242 arrests, N2.5trn drug seizures at UN Assembly 

Standfirst: Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency has presented its drug control reforms at the United Nations General Assembly, reporting 6,232 convictions and urging stronger intelligence-sharing, action against illicit finance and investment in institutional capacity.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported 38,242 arrests, 6,232 convictions and seizures of illicit drugs worth more than N2.5 trillion between January 2025 and September 2026, as Nigeria showcased its drug control reforms at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The figures were presented in Nigeria’s statement at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on Monday, October 12, 2026, by the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), who was represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Marwa said the agency had evolved from a predominantly enforcement-focused organisation into an integrated, intelligence-led and people-centred institution.

He said the agency now combines law enforcement, public health, technology, financial investigation, alternative livelihoods and international cooperation to tackle the changing drug threat.

Marwa attributed the shift to the increasing sophistication of trafficking networks, the use of technology for illicit activities and the rapid movement of criminal proceeds across national borders.

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“Trafficking networks have become more sophisticated, technology has opened new channels for illicit activity, criminal proceeds move rapidly across borders, and drug dependence continues to affect individuals, families and communities,” he said.

The NDLEA chairman said Nigeria had therefore expanded its focus beyond drugs and offenders to the criminal networks, illicit profits and vulnerabilities sustaining the drug economy.

He added that more than 16,303 people received counselling, treatment or rehabilitation during the period under review, while prevention and sensitisation campaigns reached millions of Nigerians.

Marwa said the agency was increasingly prioritising the dismantling of major trafficking networks, organised criminal structures and the financial systems supporting the illicit drug trade, rather than measuring performance solely by arrests and seizures.

He also highlighted the NDLEA’s Alternative Development initiative, which is being piloted in three communities in Ondo State to help residents move from illicit cannabis cultivation to legitimate agricultural production.

According to him, sustainable drug control requires economic alternatives that support food security, community resilience and national security, rather than simply eliminating illicit crops.The agency also cited its Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System as examples of how digital tools could improve accessibility, efficiency, transparency and integrity in public administration.

Marwa said the reforms were being consolidated under the National Drug Control Master Plan 2026–2030, which covers six pillars: drug supply reduction, drug demand reduction, access to controlled medicines, governance and coordination, alternative development, and disruption of the illicit drug economy.

At the UN gathering, Nigeria called for stronger international intelligence-sharing to prevent trafficking networks from exploiting gaps between jurisdictions.

It also urged countries to intensify efforts against illicit financial flows through financial investigations, asset tracing and recovery, while strengthening prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration alongside enforcement.

Nigeria further called for expanded support for alternative development programmes, improved capacity for law enforcement officers and sustained investment in institutions, particularly in developing countries.

The proposed support includes technology, training, forensic capabilities, treatment infrastructure and technical assistance to help institutions respond to increasingly sophisticated drug cartels.

According to the statement, Nigeria described its drug control experience as an ongoing process rather than a finished model and expressed readiness to share lessons, learn from other countries and work with UN member states and international partners.

The country urged the international community to translate commitments into implementation and cooperation into collective action capable of delivering measurable results.

The UN session was held under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.”