The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has set aggressive operational goals for 2026, directing commanders across the country to intensify efforts aimed at dismantling drug cartels and strengthening the fight against illicit substances nationwide.
This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by the agency’s Director for Media and Advocacy, Femi Bafemi.
According to the statement, Marwa gave the charge while addressing the agency’s leadership during its annual review and planning meeting held at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting brought together members of the Management, Zonal Commanders, heads of all 36 state commands and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as other senior officers.
The NDLEA boss described 2026 as a year of “unprecedented consolidation” in the agency’s ongoing campaign against drug trafficking and abuse, stressing the need for sustained momentum built on recent operational gains.
He urged commanders to deepen intelligence-led operations, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and ensure that drug syndicates are systematically disrupted at every level of their activities, from production and trafficking to distribution and retail networks.
Marwa also emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline and accountability in the discharge of duties, noting that the agency’s successes must translate into safer communities and reduced access to illicit drugs, particularly among young people.
While commending officers for their commitment in the past year, he warned that criminal networks were becoming more sophisticated, making it imperative for the agency to remain proactive, adaptive and relentless in its operations.
The statement added that the 2026 operational roadmap would focus on consolidating enforcement achievements, expanding drug demand reduction initiatives and enhancing the welfare and capacity of NDLEA personnel to effectively deliver on the agency’s mandate.
Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to sustain pressure on drug cartels, declaring that the NDLEA would not relent until the illicit drug trade is significantly curtailed across the country.
