In a major stride for Nigeria, the NDLEA and the UNODC have announced a week of high-impact events to commemorate World Drug Day 2026. Amid the celebrations, Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency delivered a fierce warning: it will continue striking criminal networks to completely choke off their supply lines.
This was disclosed in a statement by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, during a joint NDLEA-UNODC press briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja today, Friday, June 19, 2026. Addressing the conference, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), emphasized that World Drug Day—observed globally on June 26—presents a “vital occasion during which our collective efforts against the illicit drug menace are evaluated, refined, and given a definitive policy direction for the subsequent 12 months.”
Speaking on the 2026 World Drug Day theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” Marwa emphasized that the global drug landscape is rapidly shifting. Represented at the briefing by the Agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, Marwa stated: “This theme underscores an evolving dynamic. While old battlegrounds remain, new synthetic threats, sophisticated trafficking networks, and digital illicit markets have emerged, demanding proactive, technology-driven, and highly innovative responses.”
He added: “At the NDLEA, we have long recognized that old strategies cannot solve new problems. Backed by the Federal Government and our diverse stakeholders, we have heavily modernized our operations, balancing enforcement with aggressive social advocacy. Our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative remains our primary vehicle for preventive action. It has been refitted to leverage data, community intelligence, and innovative public enlightenment tools to protect our youth from falling victim to illicit substances.”
“In strict alignment with this year’s profound theme, we are keeping alive our tradition of a week-long commemoration. To this end, the week officially kicks off today, Friday, June 19th, 2026, with this press conference. Later today, Friday, June 19th, we shall proceed to the National Mosque, Abuja, for a special Juma’at Service at 1:30 pm to seek divine guidance and commemorate this significant week.
“Tomorrow, Saturday, June 20th, our highly anticipated Walk Against Drugs—staged in collaboration with Baze University, Nile University, and the MTN Foundation (MTNF)—will take place. The take-off point will be the African University of Science and Technology, Galadimawa, starting at 8:00 am.
“On Sunday, June 21st, we will continue our spiritual intercession with a Thanksgiving Church Service at a designated worship center to commit the week’s activities into the hands of the Almighty. On Monday, June 22nd, at 10:00 am here at the NDLEA Conference Room, National Headquarters, we will host the final level of our national essay competition, themed: “Say No to Drug: Building a Healthy and Responsible Generation.” This intellectual contest highlights our focus on youth engagement and creative prevention.
“On Tuesday, June 23rd, we will observe NGO Day at the NDLEA Conference Room at 10:00 am. This day is dedicated to our civil society partners who remain indispensable in our grassroots sensitization efforts. On Wednesday, June 24th, beginning at 8:00 am, we will be having our Youth Out of School Programme. This is a targeted campaign focusing on high-risk environments within the FCT Area Councils, specifically reaching out to youths in major markets and motor parks with innovative, relatable anti-drug messaging. Thursday, June 25th, will be dedicated strictly to strategic planning, final reviews, and briefings in preparation for the grand finale.
“Finally, the climax of the weeklong activities, the Grand Finale, will hold on Friday, June 26th, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, starting at 9:00 am. This event will gather top government functionaries, diplomatic communities, and international stakeholders to formally unveil new policy frameworks for tackling the modern facets of the drug crisis.”
Highlighting recent operational milestones that reflect the agency’s readiness to confront both lingering and emerging challenges, the NDLEA boss noted: “Our flagship WADA programme, launched five years ago on World Drug Day 2021, has matured into a formidable ‘Whole-of-Society Approach.’ It has successfully bridged the gap between law enforcement and the citizenry, turning ordinary Nigerians into active stakeholders in the war against drug abuse.”
“On the enforcement front, our “Offensive Action” against drug cartels, launched in January 2021, has maintained its relentless momentum. We have continued to dismantle complex syndicates, leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of major drug barons. Our legal department has achieved unprecedented conviction rates, fortified heavily by the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). We are not just arresting traffickers; we are liquidating their financial empires. Through the civil action in rem instrumentalities, assets reasonably suspected to be proceeds of drug crimes are aggressively targeted and forfeited to the Federal Government, effectively cutting off the lifeblood of these criminal networks.”
The NDLEA boss extended the Agency’s deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast political will and support, while also thanking State Governments across the country. “Our deep appreciation also goes to our international partners, most notably the UNODC, the US-Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the UK Home Office International Operations (HOIO), Border Force, and the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the United Kingdom, the French Police, and the German BKA, among others. We also acknowledge the seamless synergy we enjoy with the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, NAFDAC, NFIU, FRSC, and the NSCDC, among others. Most importantly, I thank you, our friends from the media. The strategic victories we record daily would mean very little without your consistency in educating the public”, he added.
In his remarks, the UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane Touré, represented by Deputy Country Representative Mr. Danilo Campisi, stated that the global drug problem is evolving rather than static. “Nigeria stands at a critical juncture where it must address long-standing challenges while adapting to new realities,” Campisi stated. “As we reflect on this theme, let us remember: No single institution can address these challenges alone. Progress depends on partnership, shared responsibility, and sustained action. While the problem persists, it is not insurmountable. The challenges are evolving, but so are our solutions, and our response must remain united, informed, and forward-looking.”
“As we commemorate World Drug Day, UNODC reaffirms its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts through evidence, innovation, human-centred approaches, and international cooperation. Together, we can strengthen our collective response to the world drug problem – addressing persistent issues, responding to new challenges, and advancing solutions that protect people and communities.”
