NDLEA Vows to Forfeit Nightclubs Hosting Drug Parties

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has vowed to clamp down on the growing culture of drug parties in Nigeria, warning that hotels and nightclubs found promoting or tolerating such activities risk immediate forfeiture to the Federal Government.

NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Retired), gave the warning on Wednesday during the agency’s annual commendation and award ceremony held in Abuja, where he reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse and trafficking in the country.

“We will not allow a culture of impunity such as this to evolve in Nigeria,” Marwa declared. “If we permit one club to advertise and host drug parties, in two or three weeks every nightclub in the country will follow suit. We will make an example with the Lagos club already under forfeiture proceedings.”

He commended the Lagos State Command for the “professional manner” in which it handled a recent operation that uncovered a drug-themed event promoted by a club owner.

Marwa emphasized that drug abuse, trafficking, and related criminal networks represent “a direct and existential threat” to Nigeria’s security and economic stability.

“For every kilogram of cocaine intercepted and every methamphetamine lab dismantled, a critical blow is delivered to the cartels,” he said.

Highlighting the agency’s achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NDLEA boss disclosed that the agency has arrested 45,853 suspects, seized over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, and secured 9,263 convictions within the last 30 months.

He added that 26,613 drug users have undergone counselling and rehabilitation across the agency’s treatment facilities nationwide.

Marwa also revealed that in the past four and a half years, the NDLEA has paid nearly ₦700 million in group life insurance benefits to families of officers killed or injured in the line of duty.

“These men and women have shown uncommon courage and professionalism in the war against illicit drugs,” he said. “Today’s commendation ceremony is a testament to their sacrifice, integrity, and loyalty.”

He expressed appreciation to international and local partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United States DEA, the UK Home Office, and various Nigerian ministries and security agencies, for their continued collaboration.

Marwa reaffirmed NDLEA’s determination to sustain the momentum in both drug supply and demand reduction efforts, pledging that the agency will continue to protect Nigeria from the scourge of narcotics.

“Our ultimate goal remains a drug-free Nigeria,” he concluded.