Brig Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd) of NDLEA
Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, has revealed that the agency seized 1.3 billion tramadol tablets and 4.4 million bottles of codeine between January 2024 and June 2025.
Marwa shared these figures during a plenary session at a two-day Government-Citizens’ Engagement event in Kaduna on Tuesday.
He attributed the agency’s success to the support of President Bola Tinubu.
“From January 2024 to June 2025, we confiscated over 4.4 million bottles of codeine and 1.3 billion tramadol pills, also known as opium,” Marwa said.
“With a single tramadol pill now costing N1,000, the street value of one billion pills could approach one trillion naira. Imagine the weapons terrorists or bandits could purchase with such funds or the chaos caused by a billion tramadol pills in circulation.”
Marwa noted that since President Tinubu took office in 2023, the NDLEA has seized 5,555 tons of illicit drugs, equivalent to the load of 200 trailers.
“Picture 200 trailers of illegal substances flooding our streets,” he remarked.
He added that the agency arrested 2,000 drug traffickers, secured 8,682 convictions, and rehabilitated over 24,000 individuals.
The NDLEA has also conducted awareness campaigns in motor parks, schools, religious centers, and markets to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse, with Tinubu’s support enabling these efforts.
On rehabilitation, Marwa disclosed that President Tinubu approved the construction of seven new rehabilitation centers, bringing the NDLEA’s total to 37, ensuring each state has at least one facility. Additionally, a modern rehabilitation center is planned for each geopolitical zone, with construction set to begin this year.
Marwa emphasized that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is on track to tackle drug abuse by addressing issues like poverty, idleness, and unemployment. He commended Kwara and Kaduna states for their proactive measures and urged other states to emulate them.
“Families must take responsibility and not rely solely on the government or NDLEA,” Marwa said. “It starts with parenting and community involvement.
“We advocate for drug abuse education in primary school curricula, and we call on communities, traditional leaders, and religious institutions to join the fight against drug abuse.”
