The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has formally decorated 274 personnel—including the Public Relations Officer for the Ogun State Command, Harisu Adamu Musa—for exceptional bravery and high-impact operational achievements in Nigeria’s ongoing campaign against illicit narcotics.
The honors were conferred by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Marwa (retd.), during the agency’s 12th Chairman/CEO Commendations and Awards ceremony held on Wednesday in Abuja.
Key Highlights of the Awards
• Individual Excellence: 274 frontline officers recognized for extraordinary courage and strategic results.
• Command Recognitions: 18 state and specialized NDLEA commands received top honors.
• Civil Society Partnerships: 19 non-governmental organizations and media outlets were commended for driving the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
Musa was recognized alongside officers whose operations over the past year directly led to the dismantling of major drug cartels and the disruption of sophisticated international trafficking networks.
Speaking at the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Marwa characterized the anti-narcotics campaign as a “continuous and generational responsibility” that demands unyielding sacrifice, intelligence, and valor from frontline officers.
He attributed the agency’s recent operational surges to painstaking intelligence gathering and seamless cross-border collaboration.
“These feats were not accidents. They are products of the courage of officers who operate in difficult and dangerous environments to keep our communities safe,” Marwa declared.
Marwa pointed to several landmark busts over the past year, including:
• The complete dismantling of the notorious Amadi Simon drug cartel.
• The takedown of two Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine syndicates hidden in the forests of Ogun and Oyo states.
• The disruption of a major tramadol trafficking ring exploiting the Togo-Benin-Nigeria supply corridor.
In addition to celebrating personnel, the NDLEA boss lauded civil society organizations and media partners for taking the anti-drug message into homes, schools, and local communities nationwide.
However, Marwa made it clear that the agency cannot afford to rest on its laurels. Charging the awardees to step up their momentum, he reminded them that recognition comes with higher expectations.
“This is not a ceiling. It is a challenge to do more as we work to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs and protect future generations,” Marwa stated.
He reiterated the agency’s resolve to sustain intelligence-driven operations and strengthen partnerships to choke the supply and demand for illicit substances nationwide.
In his response, Musa described the national recognition as “a proud moment of service” and a validation of commitment to duty.
He dedicated the award to the NDLEA leadership, colleagues, and partners who have supported his work in Ogun State.
With this latest round of honours, NDLEA said it is reinforcing a culture of excellence and accountability as it intensifies its offensive against drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country.