Arrests alone can’t defeat drug traffickers — Marwa

Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, the former Chairman and CEO of Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), emphasized that arrests alone are insufficient to combat drug trafficking. In his presentation at the Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime, Marwa stressed the importance of seizing and recovering the proceeds of crime to defeat criminal organizations.

He argued that a trafficker who retains their wealth can still fund further operations and support their associates, making them a persistent threat. Marwa stated that the success of the criminal justice system should be evaluated not only by the number of convictions but also by its ability to make crime unprofitable. He advocated for a methodical approach to asset recovery, outlining six strategies adopted by the NDLEA, including the forfeiture of properties linked to drug suspects.

An example cited was the sale of the Hook Hotel for $4.2 million, with the proceeds deposited in the Federal Government's account. Marwa highlighted that freezing bank accounts and securing interim forfeiture orders have been effective in disrupting criminal activities. The NDLEA has also obtained restraint orders swiftly, preventing fugitives from fleeing the country.

The agency prioritizes preserving the value of seized assets and has incorporated measures for unexplained wealth and living beyond legitimate means into the National Drug Control Master Plan 2026–2030. Marwa acknowledged challenges such as delays in mutual legal assistance and the need to balance the rights of accused persons with the state's responsibility to preserve assets.

He called for enhanced international cooperation and cross-border recognition of non-conviction-based forfeiture orders to dismantle the financial infrastructure supporting drug trafficking.