The Chairman of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), has ordered commanders across the country to dismantle drug cartels and expand nationwide sensitisation campaigns in 2026.

He issued the directive at the agency’s annual review and planning meeting in Abuja, where senior officers gathered to set operational targets for the year ahead.

Why it matters

Nigeria continues to battle rising cases of substance abuse, particularly among young people, with drug trafficking networks exploiting porous borders and vulnerable communities.

Authorities say disrupting supply chains and reducing demand are critical to public health, security, and economic productivity.

Inside the high-level meeting

The strategy session brought together NDLEA management, zonal commanders, state and FCT commanders, seaport and airport heads, marine unit leaders, and commanders of special operations.

Addressing them, Mr Marwa said the agency had started 2026 “on a strong footing,” building on what he described as record-breaking successes in previous years.

“The results we achieved last year were significant, but we cannot afford to rest on our oars. Our 2026 goals are clear: we are here to completely disrupt the financial lifelines of drug cartels and ensure that every community in Nigeria is sensitized against the scourge of substance abuse,” he declared.

Focus on consolidation

Mr Marwa said the coming year would prioritise consolidation in both Drug Supply Reduction (DSR) and Drug Demand Reduction (DDR).

He reminded commanders of earlier commitments made when he assumed office and said progress so far was a collective achievement.

“When I first assumed office, I made certain declarations about the direction of this Agency and the resolve to confront drug barons and kingpins… the progress achieved is the result of your collective efforts, and all glory belongs to God,” he said.

Five years on, no slowing down

The NDLEA chairman noted that the agency had completed five years under his leadership but warned against complacency.

“While we acknowledge the achievements recorded during this period, we must not rest on our past successes. Rather, we must consolidate these gains and aim for even greater outcomes,” he said.

He added that the agency now enjoys increased local and international respect.

Link to tenure renewal

Mr Marwa linked the renewal of his tenure by President Bola Tinubu to the performance of officers on the ground.

“While I may issue directives, real impact comes from seizures made, arrests effected, and convictions secured in the field,” he said.

“For this reason, I sincerely appreciate your diligence, commitment, and hard work.”

Zero tolerance for compromise

He warned commanders that discipline and professionalism would remain non-negotiable.

“Operational professionalism and zero tolerance for compromise are non-negotiable,” he said, urging thorough planning and surveillance before operations.

He added that commanders should seek reinforcement when necessary rather than risk avoidable casualties.

Expanding advocacy and community action

The NDLEA boss said advocacy and sensitisation efforts, especially in schools and communities, had shown “encouraging progress” but must be expanded.

He also directed that State Drug Control Committees be strengthened in all states.

“This year, all states must have functional committees,” he said, adding that efforts should reach local government and ward levels.

Public urged to stay alert

Mr Marwa reassured Nigerians that the agency remains committed to protecting families and young people from drug abuse.

He said the agency’s early momentum in 2026 sends a clear message to traffickers that there will be no vacuum for illicit trade.

He urged citizens to continue providing useful information, stressing that the fight against drugs is a shared responsibility.

What’s next

NDLEA commanders are expected to finalise and implement the 2026 strategic work plan, with performance measured through seizures, arrests, convictions, and community-level impact.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has ordered the immediate closure of all non-compliant garages and motor parks operating along the Mazanmaza, Ojo to Orile axis.

The enforcement followed what LAWMA described as “sustained and deliberate” breaches of Lagos State waste management regulations.

Residents raised the alarm

LAWMA said the action was triggered by multiple petitions from residents, who complained about indiscriminate dumping of refuse by park operators and road users.

According to the agency, waste was routinely dumped on road setbacks, medians, junctions and inside drainage channels.

Officials warned that the situation posed serious environmental degradation, public health risks and traffic safety threats.

Investigation findings

Investigations by LAWMA’s Environmental Enforcement Unit found that many of the garages and parks were not registered with LAWMA-accredited Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators.

This, the agency said, violates existing sanitation laws guiding waste disposal in Lagos State.

LAWMA added that operators ignored repeated warnings, sensitisation campaigns and statutory notices issued before the closures.

LAWMA speaks

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the authority would not compromise on environmental compliance.

“No garage, motor park or commercial establishment will be allowed to operate outside the law or undermine the environmental wellbeing of Lagos residents,” he said.

Dr Gbadegesin added that the sealed facilities would remain closed until they fully comply with all waste management requirements.

“This includes mandatory registration with LAWMA-approved PSP operators and strict adherence to prescribed waste disposal protocols,” he said.

What’s next

LAWMA says enforcement will continue across Lagos, warning that individuals and organisations that undermine waste regulations will face escalating sanctions.

The agency has also urged residents, traders, transport unions and businesses to cooperate with PSP operators to maintain a cleaner city.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its institutional support for Africa’s first-ever Defence and Security Exhibition, scheduled to hold in Nigeria in 2026.

The event, known as the Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDECS), is expected to bring together defence manufacturers, military institutions, security agencies, and international partners from around the world.

The backing by Customs places Nigeria at the centre of defence innovation and industrial growth in Africa, while also highlighting the country’s evolving security and economic priorities.

Inside AFRIDECS

The exhibition was formally unveiled during a courtesy visit by the AFRIDECS Steering Committee to the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 21 January 2026.

Leading the delegation was the Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General Babatunde Alaya, who said the event would showcase Nigeria’s growing defence capabilities across multiple domains.

“AFRIDECS is conceived to showcase indigenous capabilities and manufacturing, while leveraging the expertise and experience of international defence manufacturers. It will serve as a convergence point for defence, security and technology stakeholders to exchange ideas and innovations,” he stated.

He explained that the exhibition would cover land, sea, air, cyber and space technologies, offering a global platform for collaboration and innovation.

According to him, the initiative is being coordinated by a multi-agency Steering Committee set up by Defence Headquarters.

Customs: beyond security

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General, Dera Nnadi, said the Service sees AFRIDECS as more than a security event.

“This is beyond the security implications. For us in the Nigeria Customs Service, it is an economic opportunity, a cultural gain and a platform to project the best of Nigeria to the international community. Customs will play its role in facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring strict regulatory compliance,” he said.

Mr Nnadi added that Customs would ensure smooth temporary importation of exhibition equipment, while maintaining national security standards.

Handling sensitive equipment

Another Deputy Comptroller-General, Timi Bomodi, who oversees Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, said AFRIDECS presents unique operational considerations for Customs.

He noted that while the Service has experience managing international exhibitions, the military nature of the equipment involved requires stricter controls.

Customs, he said, would adopt simplified and transparent procedures, provided all regulatory requirements are met, including advance documentation and End User Certificates.

What’s next

Planning for AFRIDECS will continue through 2025, with Nigeria expected to formally announce dates, venues, and participating countries in the coming months.

Customs officials say early engagement with exhibitors will be key to ensuring smooth logistics and compliance.