…As 207 containers were destroyed in coordinated operation
Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has adduced reasons why the Federal Government is prioritising the fight against illicit drugs, emphasising that it was due to its far-reaching impact on national security and the wellbeing of citizens.
Ribadu, who stated this while speaking during an inter-agency meeting at his office in Abuja, linked the use of illicit substances—especially among young people to rising insecurity, noted that many terrorists are often serial abusers of narcotics.
He noted that the use of illicit substances usually fuels criminality and undermines national stability, thus assured that the federal government remains committed to supporting the ongoing inter-agency operation targeting illegal and counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
The NSA said that the goal is to rid the country of dangerous substances that harm society, stressing that the initiative goes beyond law enforcement.
While describing it as a long-term public health intervention with serious implications for national security, the NSA praised the discipline and collaboration shown by participating agencies, saying the success of the operation highlights what Nigerian institutions can achieve through joint action.
Ribadu therefore warned dealers in illicit substances that it will no longer be business as usual just as he assured that the government would continue to back the fight until meaningful progress is made.
He said; “There are good Nigerians working to make the society better. What was achieved by the committee is a testament to that. Keep putting in your best to ensure we succeed in this critical fight”.
The operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In her remarks, the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed that 207 containers of illicit and counterfeit drugs have been intercepted and destroyed so far through this joint effort.
Adeyeye credited the NSA’s direct involvement with speeding up responses and bridging enforcement gaps across the agencies.
She said; “If not for the swift intervention of the NSA, these drugs might have ended up in markets and led to the deaths of many women and young people.
Speaking in turn, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, described the scale of the operation as unprecedented, adding that it demonstrated the impact of coordinated institutional action.
In his own remarks, the NDLEA Chairman, Brig-General Buba Marwa (retd), commended the NSA’s leadership and budgetary support, which he noted enabled major seizures and disrupted criminal drug networks.
At the Abuja meeting, the NDLEA presented a certificate of destruction to Ribadu, recognising his role in coordinating the initiative.
While presenting the certificate, the committee said it was “for leading the destruction of drugs that might have ended up endangering people’s lives.”
In return, the NSA gave plaques to agency heads, stressing that illicit drugs are a critical factor fuelling criminality and instability across the country.
Ribadu said; “The plaques should serve as a symbol of gratitude and I present them to the agencies on behalf of the President”.
Officials noted that the destruction of over 200 containers marked a major turning point in the federal government’s broader strategy to clean up Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
