The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has commended the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and allied security agencies following the successful rescue of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and one other individual recently abducted in the South-East region.
In a statement released on Thursday, 8 October 2026, by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the anti-narcotics boss described the successful joint tactical operation as a significant victory for the nation and an undeniable proof of the power of coordinated, intelligence-driven operations.
“The safe return of these young Nigerians to their families is a testament to the courage, professionalism, and unity of purpose of our security agencies,” Marwa remarked, celebrating the outcome of the security crackdown. “Our corps members represent the nation’s finest, serving their fatherland with hope and idealism. Nigeria owes them absolute protection, and today, our gallant men and women in uniform have decisively delivered.”
Reflecting on his military background and the current political administration, the NDLEA chief added: “As a retired military officer serving under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu, it is imperative for us to draw public attention to this kind of stellar achievement by our security agencies and equally commend them.”
Marwa further highlighted the momentum of recent law enforcement successes across Nigeria, noting that a series of strategic rescue operations in recent months have successfully liberated multiple kidnap victims and restored peace to affected households. “Every life rescued is a triumph for our collective resolve,” he stated. “These operations clearly demonstrate that criminals cannot outrun a determined, united, and relentless security architecture.”
Turning his focus to the root causes of regional instability, the NDLEA Chairman reassured sister agencies of the anti-drug command’s unwavering logistical alliance, pointing out that illicit narcotics networks directly bankroll violent crimes, banditry, and kidnapping. “Where drugs flow, insecurity thrives. That is why the NDLEA will remain aggressive in working with sister agencies to dismantle the syndicates funding criminality, while deepening our intelligence-sharing and joint field operations.”
The NDLEA Chairman strongly urged law enforcement agencies nationwide to sustain this operational momentum, while calling on citizens to actively support the country’s security forces with timely and credible intelligence. Concluding his statement, Marwa extended his warmest wishes to the rescued corps members for a swift emotional and physical recovery, as they look forward to a full, joyful reunion with their families.
