The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Attor-ney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), have said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to strengthen the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) be-cause of its strategic value to the success of the country’s national security architecture. They stated this in their re-marks at the commissioning of 46 new vehicles distributed to stra-tegic commands and formations of NDLEA on Wednesday at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja. Speaking, Ribadu commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.) and his team for their sustained commitment, discipline and energy in transforming the NDLEA into a result-oriented force against one of the most destabilis-ing threats to Nigeria’s national well-being: illicit drugs. “I commend the Chairman, General Mohamed Buba Marwa, for his discipline, commitment, and transformative leadership. Un-der his watch, NDLEA has become a result-oriented force addressing the grave threats posed by illicit drugs that undermine our national security, social stability, and public health. “This event is not just about commissioning vehicles, without the mobility to swiftly reach dan-ger points, intercept traffickers and move resources where they are most needed, our fight is severe-ly constrained. The link between drug trafficking and insecurity is systemic. Criminal gangs thrive on drug profits, insurgents and armed groups fund their activities with it. Countless young Nigerians fall victim to addiction, with dev-astating consequences for families and communities. “This is why the renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritises drug control as a pillar of our national security strategy. The president’s unwavering support through fund-ing, inter-agency cooperation, and policy alignment has directly en-abled today’s milestone. “These vehicles will be deployed nationwide to amplify NDLEA’s operational presence, strengthen deterrence, and ensure that no trafficker escapes justice. As the lead agency for drug control, ar-rest, seizure, and investigation and prosecution, NDLEA will continue to receive the full backing of the Of-fice of National Security Adviser, which will also coordinate its efforts with other security and regulatory agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Ser-vice, NAFDAC,” Ribadu said. In his welcome address, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA said the event is symbol-ic of the continuous effort to re-position the agency as a modern, efficient and respected organisa-tion as well as a reflection of the sustained commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to equipping insti-tutions that stand on the front line of the country’s national security and public health. “To that extent, today’s event is a milestone, as NDLEA is now counted among a distinguished group of security and drug law enforcement agencies around the world that are not only visible in their operations but equally respected and making impacts”, Marwa noted. He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwav-ering and strategic support for the agency. “The procurement of these vehicles was made pos-sible by the fiscal backing of this administration, which continues to demonstrate strong resolve in addressing the root causes of in-security and social dislocation. Un-der the Renewed Hope Agenda, the president has prioritised national stability, institutional reform and the safety of every Nigerian life. That trust motivates us to deliver even more”, he stated. While explaining the impor-tance of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking to national security, Marwa said, “We know from both intelligence and experience that drug abuse and trafficking are central to many se-curity challenges in the country. The link is undeniable: kidnap-ping, armed robbery, insurgency and cult violence are all fueled by illicit substances. Drug traf-ficking emboldens perpetrators, strips away moral restraint and replaces hope with recklessness. No serious approach to national se-curity can ignore drug control, and this is why we pursue our mandate with focus, determination and the results are there to show.” He noted that in just two years of President Tinubu’s adminis-tration, the NDLEA has achieved significant results. “We have arrested 40,887 drug offenders, including 45 drug bar-ons leading to the seizure of over 5.5 million kilogrammes of assort-ed illicit substances, all recovered from our streets, communities, warehouses, border routes and ports nationwide, with 704.445 hect-ares of cannabis farms, hidden deep in forests, destroyed. We have equally secured the conviction of 8,682 traffickers and kingpins alike, ensured their assets forfeitures to the Federal Government through the court process, thus sending a clear message that drug crimes attract legal consequences.” In his remarks, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince La-teef Fagbemi (SAN), commended President Tinubu for making the achievements recorded by the lead-ership of Marwa at the NDLEA in the past two years possible. According to him, “Without an understanding president, it would be very difficult to have this type of gathering today. So, my first appreciation goes to him. There is a very, very close nexus between drug trafficking and all the crimes that we have. “The chairman has chronicled some of the effects of these illicit drugs. They embolden criminals. And when the thing wears off, then you discover that they are just ordinary mortals like you and I. And that is why attention ought to be given to this fight against illicit drugs. And when I follow NDLEA activities; the arrests, the fights they put on, you know, I’m always very happy. The credit, of course, goes to the leadership by Gen Marwa.” No fewer than 15 newly promot-ed commanders of narcotics (CN) were decorated with their new rank of Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN) by the NDLEA boss at the end of the ceremony.