NDLEA Seeks Public Participation In The Fight Against Drug Trafficking.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a nationwide campaign to enlist public participation in combating drug trafficking, as announced by its Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retired), on 18 June 2025 in Abuja.
Speaking at a community outreach event, Marwa emphasised that drug trafficking fuels insecurity, including banditry and insurgency, and urged citizens to report suspicious activities to the agency. The initiative comes amid rising drug-related crimes, with the NDLEA seizing over 3,000 tonnes of illicit substances, including cannabis and methamphetamine, in the first half of 2025, a 20% increase from the previous year.
Marwa highlighted the agency’s “Operation Clean Streets” programme, which encourages community leaders, youth groups, and religious organisations to collaborate with the NDLEA in identifying drug hotspots. He cited the link between drug trafficking and violent crimes in states like Borno and Benue, where armed groups reportedly use proceeds from narcotics to fund operations. The NDLEA has established hotlines and digital platforms for anonymous tip-offs, assuring citizens of protection against retaliation. Marwa also called for stricter penalties for drug traffickers, noting that weak legal consequences enable recidivism.
The campaign has received mixed reactions. Some Nigerians praise the NDLEA’s proactive approach, with community leaders in Lagos and Kano pledging support. However, sceptics argue that corruption within law enforcement could undermine the initiative, citing past allegations of NDLEA officers colluding with drug cartels. Civil society groups, including the Centre for Democracy and Development, have urged the agency to ensure transparency in handling public reports and to protect whistleblowers. The campaign’s success will depend on building trust, particularly in communities wary of security agencies due to past abuses.
The NDLEA’s call for public participation aligns with broader efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges, as seen in President Tinubu’s directives to security chiefs in Benue. By involving citizens, the agency hopes to disrupt the drug supply chain that fuels insurgency and banditry. Marwa stressed that “every Nigerian has a role in this fight,” urging a collective effort to safeguard communities.
