The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has once again recognised dedication, sacrifice and excellence in the fight against illicit drugs, with Mr. David Milaham, a native of Ampang in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, among the personnel honoured at the Agency’s 12th Chairman/Chief Executive Officer’s Commendations and Awards ceremony.
The ceremony, held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja, brought together officers, men and women of the Agency, civil society organisations and media practitioners who have contributed significantly to the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
A total of 274 personnel were recognised for outstanding performance, alongside 18 best-performing commands and 19 NGOs and media organisations for their contributions to the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy.
Among the award recipients was Mr. David Milaham, a dedicated NDLEA officer with an impressive 29 years of service. Milaham, who hails from Ampang, Mangu LGA of Plateau State, has over the years demonstrated commitment and professionalism in the discharge of his responsibilities and is currently serving under the NDLEA Nasarawa State Command, Lafia.
His recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a source of pride to his community, Mangu Local Government Area and Plateau State. After nearly three decades of service, the honour represents a significant acknowledgement of the sacrifices and commitment that have characterised his career in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), charged personnel of the Agency to remain resilient, describing the fight against illicit drugs as a generational responsibility.
Marwa noted that the drug war is not a campaign with an end date, stressing that as criminal networks are dismantled, new ones will continue to emerge and traffickers will always seek alternative routes.
“The war against illicit drugs is not a campaign with an end date. It is a generational responsibility,” he said.
He explained that the fight against drug trafficking cannot be won through enforcement alone, emphasising the important roles played by civil society organisations, communities and the media in complementing the work of the Agency.
According to him, NGOs have continued to work quietly within communities to help young people avoid or overcome addiction, while journalists have helped expose the realities of drug trafficking, rehabilitation and the struggles of families affected by substance abuse.
Marwa also highlighted recent major operations carried out by the Agency, including the dismantling of the Amadi Simon drug cartel, the takedown of two Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine cartels operating in forests across Ogun and Oyo States, and the disruption of a tramadol cartel operating along the Togo–Benin Republic–Nigeria corridor.
He described the operations as products of patient intelligence-gathering, cross-border cooperation and the courage of officers who were willing to pursue criminals into difficult and dangerous territories.
For officers like David Milaham, the recognition serves as a reminder that years of quiet dedication do not go unnoticed. His 29 years of service represent a career built on duty, discipline and commitment to a cause that affects the safety and future of communities across Nigeria.
The NDLEA Chairman urged the award recipients to see the recognition not as a destination, but as encouragement to do even more, while calling on partners in civil society and the media to continue supporting the Agency.
As David Milaham joins the growing list of NDLEA personnel recognised for exceptional service, his story stands as an inspiring example of the impact that consistency, sacrifice and dedication can have over a lifetime of public service.
For Ampang, Mangu and Plateau State, his recognition is a moment of pride and a fitting acknowledgement of one of their own who has spent nearly three decades serving Nigeria in the fight against the menace of illicit drugs.
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