Seeking to solidify gains in the War Against Drugs in the country, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has unveiled the agency’s 2026 operational roadmap. During a high-level strategic meeting with directors and commanders, Marwa charged the agency to maintain its aggressive momentum, ordering a nationwide crackdown to dismantle drug cartels and a revitalized public sensitization campaign
In a statement released Friday, January 23, NDLEA Spokesman Femi Babafemi revealed that Chairman Marwa set the agency’s 2026 agenda during a strategic review meeting in Abuja. The summit brought together the Agency’s “top echelon”—a powerful assembly of Management members, Zonal Commanders, and all 36 State and FCT Commanders, alongside specialized heads of the Marine, Seaport, International Airport formations, Commanders of the Strike Force and the Special Operations Units, among others.
‘’No time to rest on our oars.” That was the charge from Chairman Marwa as he rallied his Commanders for a year of “unprecedented consolidation” in the fight against narcotics. Building on record-shattering results, Marwa defined 2026 as the year the Agency moves from containment to total disruption—choking the financial arteries of drug cartels while scaling up community demand reduction.
Demanding “seamless execution” of the 2026 strategic plan, Marwa reminded his team of the Agency’s transformation: “We promised to confront the barons, and we have delivered. This progress belongs to your collective effort and the grace of God.
“We have now successfully concluded five years, which passed remarkably quickly. While we acknowledge the achievements recorded during this period, we must not rest on our past successes. Rather, we must consolidate these gains and aim for even greater outcomes. Today, the Agency commands increased respect, both locally and internationally, and you should be proud to identify yourselves anywhere as officers and men of this Agency.
“The renewal of my tenure by the President is largely a reflection of your work. While I may issue directives, real impact comes from seizures made, arrests effected, and convictions secured in the field. Without these results, there would be nothing to communicate to the public. For this reason, I sincerely appreciate your diligence, commitment, and hard work.
“This year, we are here to set clear targets. Directors have already submitted their proposed objectives, but these will only be complete with input from commanders. Discipline and professional conduct must remain central to our operations.
“Operational professionalism and zero tolerance for compromise are non-negotiable. Commanders must ensure thorough surveillance and planning before any operation. Where operational capacity is insufficient, commanders must request reinforcement rather than risk avoidable casualties. Advocacy and sensitization efforts have recorded encouraging progress, particularly in schools and communities nationwide. These efforts must be intensified.
“State Drug Control Committees must be strengthened across all states, with efforts extended down to local government and ward levels. This year, all states must have functional committees. I urge all commanders to remain focused, professional, and committed to the mandate of the Agency. Together, we will continue to strengthen our impact and uphold the confidence reposed in us.”
Reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the nation, the NDLEA Chairman declared that the Agency is more determined than ever to shield Nigeria’s youth and families from the blight of narcotics. He characterized the Agency’s aggressive start to 2026 as a clear warning to drug cartels: there will be no vacuum to exploit and no breathing space for illicit trade. Marwa urged citizens to remain vigilant and maintain the flow of actionable intelligence, reminding the public that “the war against substance abuse is a collective responsibility we must win together.’’
