The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), has pledged to keep clamping down on the rising trend of drug-themed parties across Nigeria. He recently warned that the agency will not tolerate any form of impunity in drug-related activities henceforth.
Speaking during the decoration of 15 newly promoted senior NDLEA officers and the presentation of awards to others, Marwa hailed the Lagos State Command for its swift and professional handling of the recent case involving a nightclub owner who promoted an event openly encouraging drug use.
According to him, legal action has already commenced against the nightclub involved, and everyone involved would be used as a scapegoat to deter others.
Warning club owners, hoteliers and landlords to be careful from now on, he declared that they will risk forfeiture of their properties if used for drug-themed gatherings.
“Recently, we intervened in a brazen move by a club owner who advertised a drug party. Let it be clear: possession or use of drugs in premises, hotels, or nightclubs is illegal in Nigeria. We will not allow a culture of impunity to take root.
We will make an example of this case to deter others. Club owners, hoteliers, and landlords must understand that their properties risk forfeiture if used for criminal drug activities. In fact, we have commenced processes for the forfeiture of the nightclub involved,” he said.
He further noted that drug abuse, trafficking, and related criminal activities pose massive threats to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
Marwa concluded by saying that the NDLEA deserves praise for recording significant progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“In the past 30 months, we have made 45,853 arrests, seized 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, and secured 9,263 convictions.
Additionally, 26,613 drug users have been counseled and rehabilitated, while 9,848 sensitization campaigns were conducted in schools, markets, workplaces, religious centers, and communities.
For the past four and a half years, we have upheld the tradition of hosting this commendation and award ceremony to appreciate and encourage our officers who have distinguished themselves in the line of duty. Today, we are also decorating 15 senior officers with their new ranks — making this a truly momentous event,” he added.
