The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has announced a series of weeklong activities to mark the 2026 World Drug Day, scheduled to hold on June 26.
The announcement was made during a joint press briefing held at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Friday, June 19, 2026.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), described World Drug Day as a key global platform for assessing progress in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, while setting priorities for the year ahead.
According to him, this year’s theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” reflects the changing nature of global drug threats, including the rise of synthetic drugs, sophisticated trafficking networks, and digital drug markets.
Marwa, represented at the briefing by NDLEA Secretary Shadrach Haruna, said the agency has adopted a more modern and intelligence-driven approach to combating drug-related crimes, combining enforcement with preventive education through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to targeting criminal networks and disrupting their financial structures through asset forfeiture and legal prosecution.
Weeklong Programme of Activities
Marwa outlined the schedule of events leading up to the grand finale on June 26:
- June 19 (Friday): Press briefing and Juma’at service at the National Mosque, Abuja.
- June 20 (Saturday): “Walk Against Drugs” in collaboration with Baze University, Nile University, and MTN Foundation, starting from the African University of Science and Technology, Galadimawa.
- June 21 (Sunday): Thanksgiving church service.
- June 22 (Monday): Final stage of a national essay competition themed “Say No to Drug: Building a Healthy and Responsible Generation.”
- June 23 (Tuesday): NGO Day, involving civil society organizations.
- June 24 (Wednesday): Youth Out-of-School Programme targeting high-risk communities in the FCT, including markets and motor parks.
- June 25 (Thursday): Strategic planning and final preparations.
- June 26 (Friday): Grand finale at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, featuring government officials, diplomats, and international partners.
Marwa emphasized that the NDLEA’s strategy integrates enforcement with community engagement, noting that its WADA campaign has become a nationwide movement aimed at preventing drug abuse among young people.
He also highlighted recent operational successes, including increased arrests, convictions, and asset seizures linked to drug trafficking networks.
International Support and Collaboration
Marwa expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the agency’s operations, as well as to international partners including UNODC, the United States DEA, UK Home Office International Operations, French Police, and Germany’s BKA.
He also acknowledged cooperation with Nigerian security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, Customs Service, Immigration Service, NAFDAC, NFIU, FRSC, and the NSCDC.
Speaking on behalf of UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Ousmane Toure, Deputy Country Representative Danielo Campisi said the global drug problem continues to evolve and requires coordinated international action.
He stressed that no single institution can address the crisis alone, calling for stronger partnerships, innovation, and evidence-based responses.
UNODC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria through technical assistance, international cooperation, and human-centred approaches aimed at reducing drug abuse and trafficking.
The 2026 World Drug Day campaign is expected to further strengthen national and international efforts to combat the global drug problem while promoting healthier communities.
