NDLEA, UNODC outline weeklong activities to mark 2026 world drug day

We’re targeting criminal networks to effectively cut off their lifeblood, says Marwa, as UNODC reaffirms commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have announced weeklong activities to commemorate the 2026 World Drug Day, even as the anti-narcotics agency vowed that it will continue to target the criminal networks with the aim of effectively cutting off their lifeblood.

This was announced at a joint press briefing by NDLEA and UNODC at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday 19th June 2026. In his address at the conference, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) noted that World Drug Day, observed globally on June 26, is a “vital occasion during which our collective efforts against the illicit drug menace are evaluated, refined, and given a definitive policy direction for the subsequent 12 months.”

Speaking on the theme for the 2026 World Drug Day: "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses", Marwa said “this theme underscores the evolving dynamic of the global drug landscape. It acknowledges that while old battlegrounds remain, new synthetic threats, sophisticated trafficking networks, and digital illicit markets have emerged, demanding that we counter them with proactive, technology-driven, and highly innovative responses.”

According to Marwa who was represented at the briefing by the agency Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, “At the NDLEA, we have long recognized that old strategies cannot solve new problems. Under the continuous support of the Federal Government and our diverse stakeholders, we have heavily modernized our operations and balanced our enforcement capabilities with aggressive social advocacy. Our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative remains our primary vehicle for preventive action, and it has been refitted to address these new challenges by leveraging data, community intelligence, and innovative public enlightenment tools to protect our youth from falling victim to illicit substances.

“In strict alignment with this year’s profound theme, we are keeping alive our tradition of a week-long commemoration. To this end, the week officially kicks off today, Friday, June 19th, 2026, with this press conference. Later today, Friday, June 19th, we shall proceed to the National Mosque, Abuja, for a special Juma’at Service at 1:30 pm to seek divine guidance and commemorate this significant week.

“Tomorrow, Saturday, June 20th, our highly anticipated Walk Against Drugs—staged in collaboration with Baze University, Nile University, and the MTN Foundation (MTNF)—will take place. The take-off point will be the African University of Science and Technology, Galadimawa, starting at 8:00 am.

“On Sunday, June 21st, we will continue our spiritual intercession with a Thanksgiving Church Service at a designated worship center to commit the week's activities into the hands of the Almighty. On Monday, June 22nd, at 10:00 am here at the NDLEA Conference Room, National Headquarters, we will host the final level of our national essay competition, themed: "Say No to Drug: Building a Healthy and Responsible Generation." This intellectual contest highlights our focus on youth engagement and creative prevention.

“On Tuesday, June 23rd, we will observe NGO Day at the NDLEA Conference Room at 10:00 am. This day is dedicated to our civil society partners who remain indispensable in our grassroots sensitization efforts. On Wednesday, June 24th, beginning at 8:00 am, we will be having our Youth Out of School Programme. This is a targeted campaign focusing on high-risk environments within the FCT Area Councils, specifically reaching out to youths in major markets and motor parks with innovative, relatable anti-drug messaging. Thursday, June 25th, will be dedicated strictly to strategic planning, final reviews, and briefings in preparation for the grand finale.

“Finally, the climax of the weeklong activities, the Grand Finale, will hold on Friday, June 26th, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, starting at 9:00 am. This event will gather top government functionaries, diplomatic communities, and international stakeholders to formally unveil new policy frameworks for tackling the modern facets of the drug crisis.”

While speaking on recent operational milestones by the agency, which he said directly mirror its readiness to confront persisting issues and new challenges, the NDLEA boss noted that “Our flagship WADA programme, launched five years ago on World Drug Day 2021, has matured into a formidable "Whole-of-Society Approach." It has successfully bridged the gap between law enforcement and the citizenry, turning ordinary Nigerians into active stakeholders in the war against drug abuse.

“On the enforcement front, our "Offensive Action" against drug cartels, launched in January 2021, has maintained its relentless momentum. We have continued to dismantle complex syndicates, leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of major drug barons. Our legal department has achieved unprecedented conviction rates, fortified heavily by the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). We are not just arresting traffickers; we are liquidating their financial empires. Through the civil action in rem instrumentalities, assets reasonably suspected to be proceeds of drug crimes are aggressively targeted and forfeited to the Federal Government, effectively cutting off the lifeblood of these criminal networks.”

He expressed the profound gratitude of the Agency to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering political will and support, as well as to State Governments across the federation. “Our deep appreciation also goes to our international partners, most notably the UNODC, the US-Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the UK Home Office International Operations (HOIO), Border Force, and the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the United Kingdom, the French Police and the German BKA, among others. We also acknowledge the seamless synergy we enjoy with the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, NAFDAC, NFIU, FRSC, and the NSCDC, among others. Most importantly, I thank you, our friends from the media. The strategic victories we record daily would mean very little without your consistency in educating the public”, he added.

In his remark, the UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Ousmane Toure who was represented by the Deputy Country Representative, Mr. Danielo Campisi, stated that the world drug problem is not static, but evolving. “Nigeria stands at a critical point where it must address long-standing challenges while adapting to new realities. As we reflect on this theme today, let us remember: No single institution can address these challenges alone. Progress depends on partnership, shared responsibility, and sustained action; the problem persists, but it is not insurmountable; the challenges are evolving, but so are our solutions, and our response must be united, informed, and forward-looking.

“As we commemorate World Drug Day, UNODC reaffirms its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts through evidence, innovation, human-centred approaches, and international cooperation. Together, we can strengthen our collective response to the world drug problem - addressing persistent issues, responding to new challenges, and advancing solutions that protect people and communities.”