Marwa called on traditional rulers to vet land buyers, and warned of the existence of drug cartels in rural communities

The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), has appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders to carefully screen individuals seeking to purchase agricultural land, warning that criminal syndicates are increasingly exploiting remote locations to set up illegal drug production facilities.

Marwa said the warning followed the revelation of a secret industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory allegedly linked to the Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel operating in forest areas in Ogun and Oyo states.

The NDLEA boss made the call on the 10th Akinale Day celebrations and anniversary of the first enthronement of the Towulade Owu Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi.

During the meeting, Marwa urged traditional institutions, especially in the Southwest region, to remain vigilant and closely monitor the activities of foreigners entering their communities and around the forests.

He stressed that community leaders should be careful before approving the sale of agricultural land, saying that such a move would help prevent drug smugglers from taking advantage of remote areas for the production of illegal drugs.

“The royal fathers and community leaders in the Southwest and the country as a whole must pay attention to the activities of foreigners in their forests. Additionally, those who wish to purchase agricultural land in rural communities must be properly vetted,” he said.

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Marwa also called for stronger collaboration between the NDLEA and traditional institutions, elders and community leaders across the country in the fight against drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking.

He noted that drug abuse affects people from various social and economic backgrounds, emphasizing the need for parents to pay greater attention to their children and detect signs of drug abuse at an early stage.

The NDLEA chairman further encouraged Nigerian youths to shun illegal drugs, warning that substance abuse does not provide solutions to life challenges but instead deepens personal and social problems.

He also urged the royal council and residents of Owu Akinale to establish a grassroots advocacy group that would help prevent drug trafficking in the community while offering support to individuals battling drug addiction.

Marwa stated that the campaign against illegal drugs could only be successful if there was active involvement of traditional rulers and local leaders, whom she described as influential figures capable of shaping attitudes and behavior at the grassroots level.

The event attracted a number of dignitaries, including political dignitaries, traditional rulers and other prominent guests.