National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says 15 drug kingpins, out of the 3,412 drug offenders successfully prosecuted and convicted in 2023, collectively bagged 168 years imprisonment.

NDLEA chairman Buba Marwa stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing commanders and officers of the agency during an award and commendation ceremony.

104 personnel and 13 state commands, with outstanding performances in the second half of 2023, were recognised and rewarded during the ceremony.

Mr Marwa said personnel performance, individually and collectively, could be better, adding that the agency would always appreciate every effort made to help sustain the momentum of the upward trajectory since January 2021.

He said the agency recorded 13,664 arrests, leading to the seizure of 1,606,799.09kg of illicit drugs and 3,412 convictions, with 5,570 offenders charged to court in 2023.

“It is indeed a year that at least 15 drug kingpins bagged 168 years of imprisonment collectively. That is a substantial improvement in our performance in 2022.

“In 2023, we also ramped up our enforcement action against cannabis farms and carried out at least seven successful major operations. This, however, led to the discovery and destruction of over 206 hectares of cannabis plantations,” Mr Marwa said.

The NDLEA boss said the frequency and intensity of the agency’s advocacy throughout 2023 improved considerably.

He also said zonal and state commands had been very dedicated to propagating the War Against Drug Abuse Advocacy (WADA).

Mr Marwa stated, “As a result, a total of 2,725 sensitisation lectures and programmes were held in schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities, among others.

“A breakdown of the WADA lectures held in 2023 shows 807 in primary/secondary schools, 146 in tertiary institutions, 488 for out-of-school children, 264 in worship centres, 140 in military/paramilitary organisations and 90 in other workplaces.”

The NDLEA chief added, “Just as well, our commands and formations have coped with the increased workload of counselling activities, leading to the counselling and rehabilitation of 10,904 drug users.”

Mr Marwa said those in the agency longer than 2021 could attest that the past three years had brought different dynamics to NDLEA operations and performances.

This, he said, had been further reinforced by the content of a letter from the National Assembly two weeks ago commending the agency’s efforts in the fight against illicit drug consumption and trafficking.

“This recognition by both chambers of the national assembly should serve as a further morale booster and a reminder that your efforts are not going unnoticed. I must also say that the NDLEA management has no misgivings about instituting the Commands Awards and Commendations.

“This twice-a-year event, though a reward system, serves as an inward-looking glass for critical self-analysis and, therefore, a mechanism that puts the agency on its toes.

“Each time we gather here to honour exemplary officers and commands, we are making a loud statement that we value meritocracy and that hard work is a virtue we hold in high esteem. We are trying to normalise good performances,” Mr Marwa said. 

(NAN)