By Ibironke Ariyo
The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa says drug trafficking in the Sahel continues to hinder security, economic development and the rule of law while jeopardising public health.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday at its first annual international conference in Abuja, Marwa said the increasing flow of drugs into West Africa and the Sahel had undermined peace and stability in the region.
The conference, titled “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Analysing Nigeria’s Challenges: Emergence, Impact and Options”, was conceived by the NAN leadership as part of efforts to address the menace of insecurity during the Sahel-Nigeria meeting. .
Marwa was represented by Mr. Chidi Ndukwu, Deputy Commander Narcotics, Deputy Director Media and Defense of the NDLEA.
He said there is a negative link between drugs and security, adding that most terrorist insurgents operate under the influence of drugs and illegal substances.
He said: “This is not just a security issue, as armed groups generate revenue to fund their operations.”
“It is also a public health issue, as criminal groups exploit population growth to expand illicit drug markets.
“We are focusing our efforts on dismantling drug syndicates across the region.
“In some Sahel countries – Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger – cannabis resin remains the most frequently seized drug on the international market, followed by cocaine and pharmaceutical opioids,” he said.
Marwa, however, said the NDLEA had recorded tremendous successes in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, adding that the agency would continue to dismantle drug cartels and their networks across the country.
“According to UN reports, the purchase of cocaine, marijuana and opiates is becoming easier as criminal networks and armed groups capitalise on the fragile Sahel region.
“It is a ‘natural stopover’ for Europe on the South American trade routes.
“However, with the collaboration of relevant global institutions and the support of the United Nations, the NDLEA is managing to dismantle criminal networks and make record numbers of seizures of illegal drugs.
“The following findings are the result of our efforts to address the drug problem in Nigeria, which includes states in the Sahel region.
“Between January 2021 and July 2024, the agency arrested 55,759 persons, including 48 kingpins, convicted 9,673 criminals and also seized 7,625,365kg (7,625 tonnes) of drugs and substances.
“In addition, we seized over N958 billion in cash and drugs, destroyed marijuana (Indian hemp) farms on over 1,057.33348 hectares of land, counselled and rehabilitated over 33,453 drug users.”
“We held discussions on the War on Drug Abuse (AMA) in schools and elsewhere while the Federal Government seized over 6,423 properties: over 948 houses, vehicles and more.”
