The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has announced the apprehension of 14,480 suspected drug traffickers between January and October 2024.

Marwa revealed that these arrests were linked to the seizure of 2.4 million kilograms of various illicit drugs confiscated at seaports, airports, land borders, and communities across Nigeria.

During a briefing for the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs, who were on an oversight visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, Marwa stated that, from January 1 to October 30, 2024, the agency had made 14,480 arrests, including 15 major drug traffickers, and secured 2,867 court convictions.

He explained, “In the past 10 months, we have seized 2.4 million kilograms of illicit drugs, surpassing last year’s record. We also located and destroyed 547,378 kilograms of cannabis plantations.”

Furthermore, Marwa noted that 6,655 drug users had received counseling and rehabilitation within the same period.

The chairman also highlighted the largest-ever heroin seizure in the agency’s history—51.90 kilograms—at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in February.

Abass Adigun, chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, commended the agency’s leadership and personnel for their commitment and perseverance, despite the challenging conditions under which they operate.