The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to strengthening the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), recognizing its critical role in national security. Ribadu gave the assurance on Wednesday at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja during the commissioning of 48 new operational vehicles.

The fleet, comprising 38 SUVs and 10 sedans, will be distributed to zonal, strategic, and state commands, as well as key directorates across the country. He commended the agency’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), for transforming the NDLEA into a more effective and results-oriented organization. Ribadu attributed the progress to discipline, commitment, and strong leadership. NDLEA DG Buba Marwa in a remark described the commissioning as a sign of the agency’s repositioning into a modern and efficient institution thanking President Tinubu for what he called unwavering and strategic support, which he said had strengthened NDLEA’s operational capacity.

Marwa also highlighted key achievements over the last two years, including the arrest of 40,887 drug offenders, among them 45 major barons, seizure of over 5.5 million kilograms of illicit drugs, destruction of 704.445 hectares of cannabis farms, and conviction of 8,682 traffickers. Also speaking at the event, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), emphasized the link between drug trafficking and violent crime. He praised Marwa’s leadership and the improved morale within the agency.

Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said the new vehicles would enhance the NDLEA’s operational capacity. Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, commended the agency for following due process in procurement. The event also featured the decoration of 15 newly promoted officers with the rank of Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN).