Crime

Hammandikko visits Marwa, backs renewed hope agenda on drug control

January 24, 2026

Gen Buba Marwa posed with Hammandikko during the visit.

In a symbolic show of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Hon. Dahiru Hammandikko has paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Gen. Muhammadu Buba Marwa (retd) commending the agency’s renewed vigour in the fight against illicit drugs in Nigeria.

Hammandikko who expressed growing concern over drug abuse and its link to insecurity, unemployment, and social decay, noted that unless a drastic action is taken against it as exemplified by Marwa’s stewardship, Nigeria will remain at a tipping point.

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He noted that the holistic war being waged by the general is in line with Tinubu administration’s resolve in prioritising security, social stability, and human capital development.

Hon. Hammandikko, who is also the Dan Kade Adamawa and Executive Director of Agricultural Services at the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA), praised Gen. Marwa’s leadership at the NDLEA, describing it as focused, courageous, and result-driven.

According to Hammandikko, the remarkable achievements recorded by the NDLEA under Marwa’s watch clearly align with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s emphasis on restoring order, protecting lives, and rebuilding communities damaged by crime and substance abuse.

He noted that since Gen. Marwa assumed office, the NDLEA has arrested over 66,085 drug offenders, seized more than 11.1 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, and successfully rehabilitated 26,393 persons battling substance dependence. He described such fear as unprecedented in the history of the agency.

“These achievements are not just statistics; they represent lives saved, families restored, and communities made safer. They also reflect the seriousness of purpose with which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approached governance, particularly in confronting the root causes of insecurity,” he said.

The politician stressed that drug abuse remains a major driver of crime, youth restiveness, and economic decline, adding that the NDLEA’s renewed focus on prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation is critical to addressing these interconnected challenges.

He further observed that the Renewed Hope Agenda’s integrated approach, linking security with economic empowerment, agriculture, and social intervention can only succeed if institutions like the NDLEA are strengthened and supported.

In his response, Gen. Marwa appreciated the visit and reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to intensify the war against drug trafficking and abuse.

He emphasized that the agency would continue to collaborate with stakeholders across sectors to ensure a healthier, safer, and more productive Nigeria.