Marwa Urges Responsible Journalism as NDLEA Intensifies Fight Against Drug Abuse in Nigeria

Marwa Urges Responsible Journalism as NDLEA Intensifies Fight Against Drug Abuse in Nigeria

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called on media practitioners to strengthen their role in combating drug abuse through responsible reporting, public education and advocacy, insisting that Nigeria's vision of becoming a drug-free nation is achievable through collective action.

The call was made during the 2026 Media Capacity Building Programme organised by the Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA) to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Marwa, who was represented by the agency's Deputy Director, Mrs. Rita Geh, delivered the keynote address at the event held at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.

Speaking on the theme, "Responsible Media, Drug-Free Nigeria: The Journalist's Role in Prevention and Advocacy," Marwa described journalists as critical partners in the fight against substance abuse, saying the battle cannot be won through law enforcement alone.

He noted that Africa faces a worsening drug problem, with projections indicating that drug use on the continent could rise by 40 per cent by 2030. He warned that Nigeria remains at the centre of the challenge due to its population size and strategic location.

Citing findings from the 2018 National Drug Use Survey, Marwa said 14.4 per cent of Nigerians use drugs, significantly higher than the global average of 5.6 per cent.

"This is not a statistic we can afford to ignore," he said, stressing that prevention, education, advocacy and community participation are as important as enforcement in addressing the growing menace.

According to him, the NDLEA has adopted a balanced strategy that combines supply reduction with demand reduction initiatives aimed at discouraging drug use, particularly among young people.

Highlighting the agency's achievements, Marwa disclosed that the NDLEA has recorded over 77,859 arrests, secured more than 14,122 convictions and seized over 15 million kilograms of illicit drugs in recent years.

He added that within the first ten months of 2025 alone, the agency made more than 19,000 arrests, secured about 3,000 convictions, confiscated millions of kilograms of narcotics and destroyed extensive cannabis plantations across the country.

"These figures represent more than statistics. Behind every arrest, conviction and seizure are lives saved, families protected and communities made safer," he said.

Marwa said the agency's operations have disrupted criminal supply chains and weakened financial networks linked to organised crime and terrorism.

Despite these successes, he maintained that reducing the demand for illicit drugs remains the most sustainable solution to the country's drug challenge.

He urged journalists to prioritise factual, balanced and responsible reporting, warning that sensational coverage could reinforce stigma and discourage individuals battling addiction from seeking treatment.

According to him, the media should amplify stories of prevention, recovery and rehabilitation while promoting evidence-based information that empowers young people to make informed decisions.

"Responsible media practice means going beyond headlines. It means helping people understand the realities of drug abuse, promoting evidence-based information and showing that recovery is possible," Marwa stated.

He also encouraged journalists to continue holding institutions accountable while promoting informed public discussions on drug policy, prevention and public health.

The NDLEA chairman said community participation remains essential in the fight against drug abuse, calling on parents, teachers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to support prevention efforts through early education and sustained awareness campaigns.

He highlighted the agency's ongoing initiatives, including the nationwide War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, school sensitisation programmes, community outreach and rehabilitation services, which he said have reached millions of Nigerians.

Reaffirming the agency's commitment to collaboration with the media, Marwa expressed confidence that Nigeria can overcome the drug menace through sustained partnership, consistency and shared responsibility.

"The vision of a drug-free Nigeria is not a distant dream. It is achievable through commitment, consistency and collective action. Together, we can build a nation where young people make informed choices and where communities remain safe, productive and free from the scourge of drugs," he said.