At UN, Marwa Says World Must Unite to Dismantle Criminal Drug Networks

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), has urged the international community to stand together, be resolute and united to dismantle criminal drug networks that threaten peace, stability, and collective future of nations.

Addressing the 80th United Nations General Assembly Plenary Session of the Third Committee in New York, United States, on Monday, Marwa said the world could no longer be held hostage by the illicit drug trade.

He said, “Given the transnational nature of the drug problem, Nigeria prioritizes international cooperation and intelligence sharing. We have signed memoranda of understanding with several countries and maintain strong partnerships with the UNODC, EU, DEA, INL, NCA, BKA, and others.

“These collaborations have led to major seizures, arrests of high-profile traffickers, and successful prosecutions – all with full regards to human rights.”

Marwa stressed, “The world can no longer be held hostage by the illicit drug trade. We must stand together – resolute and united – to dismantle the networks that threaten our peace, stability, and collective future.”

Speaking on the theme of the 80th UNGA Plenary Session of the Third Committee, Marwa stated that the world’s drug problem was a multidimensional global challenge that required coordinated and collective action. He said Nigeria was already responding with strategic, evidence-based interventions to curb the menace.

According to him, “We have strengthened measures against money laundering linked to drug proceeds, while expanding care and support for individuals affected by drug use through treatment in rehabilitation centres, opioid substitution therapy, and safer needle exchange programmes.

“Cannabis remains the most commonly abused drug in Nigeria. To address this, we are implementing the Alternative Development Programme, engaging communities to replace illicit cannabis cultivation with legitimate livelihoods, while promoting food security and environmental protection.

“Our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative continues to mobilize all sectors of society in nationwide sensitization, reinforcing collective responsibility in protecting families and communities from the dangers of drug abuse.”

He added, “We are also tackling emerging challenges – including new psychoactive substances and the use of the Dark Web for trafficking. Nigeria is taking decisive action against the illicit production and trafficking of methamphetamine by preventing the diversion of precursor chemicals and dismantling clandestine laboratories.”

The NDLEA chief executive also said, “The effective implementation of our National Drug Control Master Plan has strengthened collaboration among stakeholders and yielded measurable results. In advancing social justice, Nigeria operates a 24/7 toll-free drug call centre, staffed by professionals offering counselling in major Nigerian languages. This service bridges the treatment gap and combats stigma associated with drug use.”