The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have renewed commitment to intensify efforts against illicit drug trafficking and dismantle the financial structures sustaining criminal networks.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a joint press briefing held at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, June 19, 2026, where they also unveiled a weeklong programme of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Drug Day.
Speaking at the event, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described World Drug Day, observed globally on June 26, as a critical opportunity to evaluate anti-drug efforts, refine strategies and chart a clear policy direction for the year ahead.
Addressing the theme of this year’s observance, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” Marwa said the theme reflects the rapidly evolving nature of the global drug landscape.
He noted that while traditional challenges remain, emerging threats such as synthetic drugs, sophisticated trafficking networks and digital illicit markets require proactive, technology-driven and highly innovative responses.
Marwa, who was represented by the Agency Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, said the NDLEA has modernised its operations and strengthened its enforcement capabilities while expanding social advocacy initiatives under its flagship War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
According to him, the agency has adopted data-driven approaches, community intelligence and innovative public enlightenment strategies to protect young people from the dangers of drug abuse.
The NDLEA boss also outlined a comprehensive lineup of activities scheduled to mark the weeklong commemoration. The events began with the joint press conference and a special Juma’at service at the National Mosque, Abuja.
Other activities include a nationwide Walk Against Drugs on Saturday, June 20, in collaboration with Baze University, Nile University and the MTN Foundation; a Thanksgiving Church Service on Sunday, June 21; and the national finals of the agency’s essay competition themed “Say No to Drugs: Building a Healthy and Responsible Generation” on Monday, June 22.
The programme will continue with NGO Day on June 23, dedicated to civil society partners involved in grassroots drug awareness campaigns, and a Youth Out-of-School outreach programme on June 24 targeting high-risk environments, including markets and motor parks across the Federal Capital Territory.
The weeklong activities will culminate in a grand finale at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on June 26, bringing together government officials, diplomats and international stakeholders to unveil new policy frameworks for addressing emerging dimensions of the global drug challenge.
Highlighting recent achievements of the agency, Marwa said the NDLEA’s enforcement operations have continued to target major drug syndicates and their financial structures. He noted that the agency’s legal successes, strengthened by the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), have enabled authorities not only to arrest traffickers but also to seize and forfeit assets linked to illicit drug activities.
“We are not just arresting traffickers; we are liquidating their financial empires,” he said, adding that cutting off illicit revenue streams remains central to the agency’s strategy against organised drug crime.
Marwa expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support of the agency’s operations and also commended international partners, including UNODC, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), and other foreign and domestic security agencies for their collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking.
In his remarks, UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Ousmane Toure, represented by Deputy Country Representative Daniele Campisi, stressed that the global drug problem continues to evolve and requires collective action.
He said Nigeria stands at a crucial point where it must address longstanding challenges while adapting to emerging realities, stressing that no single institution can tackle the problem alone.
Campisi reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through evidence-based interventions, innovation, human-centred approaches and international cooperation.
He called for stronger partnerships and sustained action, noting that while the challenges posed by illicit drugs persist, they are not insurmountable.
The joint commitment by NDLEA and UNODC underscores a shared determination to strengthen prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation efforts while promoting innovative solutions to protect communities from the devastating impact of drug abuse and trafficking.
