Marwa Says No Breathing Space for Drugs Cartels, Charges Officers to Crush Them in 2026

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has vowed a no-holds-barred approach in 2026 as it sets ambitious targets to dismantle the drug trafficking networks across Nigeria.

Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, unveiled the agency’s aggressive operational plans during a recent strategic review meeting at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja Describing the coming year as one of “unprecedented consolidation” in the fight against illegal drugs, Marwa emphasized that drug traffickers would have “no breathing space”. The agency intends to intensify both Drug Supply Reduction (DSR) and Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) efforts nationwide. Marwa outlined strict operational directives for NDLEA personnel, stressing zero tolerance for compromise and strict adherence to professionalism. He called on commanders to meticulously plan operations and ensure adequate support is in place to minimize risks. The agency also plans to strengthen community sensitization programs, while functional State Drug Control Committees will be expanded down to local council and ward levels The 2026 targets build on the agency’s strong track record over the past five years, during which NDLEA arrested over 77,000 drug offenders, including 128 identified drug barons, and seized approximately 14,847 kilograms of illicit drugs. The agency also secured more than 14,000 convictions, demonstrating its growing capacity to disrupt major trafficking networks. In addition to domestic efforts, NDLEA is boosting international partnerships, including collaboration with the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), to enhance intelligence sharing and operational capacity. Marwa’s declaration signals a sharper, intelligence-driven crackdown on drug cartels in Nigeria, combining stricter internal discipline, targeted operations, and broader community engagement to curb the menace of drug trafficking in the country.