By Rosemary Okoduwa
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Joseph Ikpea, has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of continued legislative support to strengthen its capacity, enhance operational effectiveness, and enable it to discharge its mandate more efficiently.
Senator Ikpea gave the assurance on Monday, June 15, 2026, during a familiarisation visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, where he was received by the agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), alongside members of the management team.
Speaking during the visit, the senator commended General Marwa’s leadership, noting the remarkable transformation recorded by the agency in recent years. He praised the NDLEA’s renewed determination in combating drug trafficking, expanding public enlightenment campaigns, and intensifying efforts to reduce drug demand across the country.
Ikpea particularly applauded the agency’s public destruction of seized illicit drugs, describing the exercise as a powerful demonstration of Nigeria’s resolve to tackle drug related crimes.
“The destruction of confiscated drugs sends a strong message to criminal syndicates and traffickers that Nigeria remains resolute in its determination to combat illicit drug activities. It also prevents the substances from finding their way back into society while reinforcing public confidence in the agency’s transparency, professionalism, and effectiveness,” he said.
He specifically lauded the agency for the recent destruction of large quantities of seized narcotics in Benin City, Edo State, describing the exercise as a bold demonstration of the NDLEA’s commitment to protecting communities from the harmful effects of illicit drugs.
According to him, the successful operation further underscores the achievements being recorded under General Marwa’s leadership and deserves the support of all well meaning Nigerians.
Senator Ikpea noted that drug abuse remains one of the greatest threats facing modern societies, particularly among young people who represent the future of the nation. He stressed that the consequences of substance abuse extend beyond individuals, affecting families, communities, public health, economic productivity, and national security.
He emphasized that the fight against illicit drugs cannot be left to the NDLEA alone, describing it as a collective national responsibility that requires sustained commitment, strategic collaboration, and support from all stakeholders, he therefore pledged his readiness to support policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening drug prevention programmes, rehabilitation efforts, intelligence gathering, public enlightenment campaigns, and law enforcement operations.
Responding, General Marwa expressed appreciation to Senator Ikpea for what he described as a historic visit, noting that it reflected the Senate Committee’s commitment to working closely with the agency in the pursuit of a drug-free Nigeria.
The NDLEA boss highlighted some of the agency’s achievements, ongoing initiatives, and operational challenges, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigerians from the harmful effects of illicit drugs. He also emphasized the agency’s dedication to providing treatment, rehabilitation, and support for individuals battling addiction to enable their successful reintegration into society.
Observers described the visit as timely and strategic, particularly at a period when concerns over substance abuse among young Nigerians continue to attract national attention. They noted that a stronger partnership between the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics and the NDLEA would significantly enhance Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts and contribute to building a safer, healthier, and more productive society.
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