NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has urged traditional rulers, parents and community leaders across Nigeria to take ownership of the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Marwa made the call on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during the 10th anniversary of Akinale Day and the first coronation anniversary of Oba Oluseyi Ayodeji Adewole Adediran, Otileta I, Towulade of Owu Akinale.
According to a statement by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’S Director, Media and Advocacy, the event took place at Baptist Primary School, Owu Akinale, Ogun State.
However, Marwa described his visit as a pilgrimage of friendship, respect and admiration. He recalled his close relationship with the monarch, which started nearly two decades ago when Oba Adediran led the Lisabi Youths.
He praised the royal father’s leadership and said those qualities now shape his reign.
Also, Marwa said drug abuse affects everyone, regardless of wealth or location. He urged parents to watch their children closely and act quickly when they notice changes in behaviour.
He also advised young people to reject illicit drugs, saying they only make life’s problems worse.
He asked the Royal Council and community leaders in Owu Akinale to build community advocacy networks. He said such efforts would keep drug peddlers away and support people battling substance dependence.
He stressed that the NDLEA cannot win the war against drugs without traditional rulers who understand their communities and youths.
Marwa warns over forest activities
In response, Marwa referred to the recent discovery of Nigerian-Mexican cartel-run industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratories in the forests of Ogun and Oyo states.
He urged royal fathers and community leaders across the South-West and Nigeria to monitor strangers in their forests. He also asked communities to properly screen anyone seeking to buy farmland in rural areas.
Political leaders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries attended the celebration.
External Links
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency: https://ndlea.gov.ng
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime: https://www.unodc.org
National Bureau of Statistics: https://nigerianstat.gov.ng
