The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has warned drug cartels to brace for a far tougher era as he begins his second five-year term at the agency.
Marwa, who was reappointed by President Bola Tinubu on Friday, was greeted by jubilant personnel at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja shortly after the announcement. The appointment was confirmed in a statement issued by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, on Saturday.
Addressing officers and staff, Marwa said the next phase of the drug war would be unforgiving for those still involved in trafficking and illicit cultivation. “This second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass, in or out or within Nigeria,” he declared to loud applause.
He said he did not expect the warm reception he met on his return from jumat prayers. “What a surprise. I did not expect to come back to this level of felicitations, dancing and singing. Thank you very much,” he said, visibly moved.
Marwa thanked President Tinubu for what he described as recognition of the agency’s achievements over the past four years. He praised NDLEA officers for working round the clock despite the personal risks they face and acknowledged the steady support of both local and international partners.
He singled out the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, for their continuous backing. According to him, such cooperation has strengthened operations and helped the agency disrupt trafficking networks across states.
Marwa issued a direct message to traffickers, especially those dealing in cannabis cultivation and cross-border drug runs. “This is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate,” he warned.
He said the NDLEA’s Alternative Development Unit is already positioned to help people transition into lawful livelihoods, but added that anyone who refuses to change course should expect severe consequences.
“You will be arrested, the drugs will be seized, and your assets will be confiscated. When you come out from jail, there will be nothing left,” he said.
The NDLEA chief said the agency’s renewed aggression aligns with his commitment from his first day in office, when he vowed that drug cartels would come to fear the agency.
Marwa also announced fresh plans to strengthen the agency’s rehabilitation capacity. He said NDLEA’s 30 existing rehabilitation centres will receive increased support, while seven new centres will be completed under the 2025 budget, ensuring each state has at least one functional institution.
He praised ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, saying the approval of drug tests for students at the point of admission into tertiary institutions would help tackle early-stage abuse.
“With this, we can catch them young before addiction sets in,” he said.
Marwa rounded off his address by offering prayers for the President, all NDLEA personnel, and partners supporting the drug war.
