NDLEA, UNODC UNVEIL WEEKLONG WORLD DRUG DAY ACTIVITIES

NDLEA, UNODC UNVEIL WEEKLONG WORLD DRUG DAY ACTIVITIES


By Jennifer Nwosu 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have unveiled a weeklong programme of activities to mark the 2026 World Drug Day, with renewed commitments to confront evolving drug threats through innovation, enforcement, prevention and international cooperation.

In a statement released by the Director, Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said Nigeria would continue to target drug trafficking networks by dismantling their financial structures and disrupting the criminal enterprises that sustain the illicit drug trade.

Speaking at a joint press briefing in Abuja, Marwa, represented by NDLEA Secretary Shadrach Haruna, described this year's theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” as a reflection of the changing realities of global drug trafficking. He noted that the rise of synthetic drugs, sophisticated criminal networks and digital illicit markets demands technology-driven and forward-looking responses.

Marwa said the Agency’s flagship War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, launched in 2021, has evolved into a nationwide movement that bridges law enforcement efforts with community participation. He added that NDLEA’s ongoing offensive against drug cartels has resulted in the dismantling of major syndicates, record convictions and the forfeiture of criminal assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Furthermore,  Brig General Marwa stated that the NDLEA is not just arresting traffickers but liquidating their financial empires. Through civil forfeiture mechanisms, the effective cutting off the lifeblood of criminal networks, is used to dismantle their them. 

The weeklong activities began on June 19th with a joint press conference and a special Juma’at prayer service at the National Mosque in Abuja. Other events include a Walk Against Drugs in collaboration with Baze University, Nile University and the MTN Foundation; a thanksgiving service; the final stage of a national essay competition themed “Say No to Drugs: Building a Healthy and Responsible Generation”; an NGO Day and a special outreach programme targeting out-of-school youths in markets and motor parks across the Federal Capital Territory.

The activities will culminate on June 26th with a grand finale at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, where government officials, diplomats and international stakeholders are expected to unveil new policy frameworks aimed at addressing emerging dimensions of the global drug challenge.

Brig General Marwa also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governments, international partners and security agencies for their support. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of the UNODC, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the UK Home Office International Operations (HOIO), the National Crime Agency (NCA), French and German law enforcement agencies as well as Nigerian security institutions.

In his remarks, UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure, represented by Deputy Country Representative Mr. Danielo Campisi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts. He noted that the global drug problem continues to evolve and requires collective action, evidence-based policies, innovation and sustained international cooperation.

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