The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has warned drug cartels to expect a harsher crackdown as he begins his second five-year term.
Marwa, reappointed by President Bola Tinubu on Friday, was welcomed by excited staff when he returned to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja after Jumat prayers. The announcement of his reappointment was released by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Saturday.
Speaking to the crowd, Marwa said his fresh mandate means stronger action against drug trafficking networks.
He said, “This second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass, in or out or within Nigeria.”
Marwa said he was surprised by the warm welcome from officers and thanked them for their dedication. He also expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence shown in the agency.
“We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for the special recognition of our collective efforts and the new mandate for us to continue with the war against drug abuse and trafficking,” he said.
He acknowledged the support of senior government officials and international partners, saying their cooperation has strengthened the NDLEA’s operations.
Marwa urged drug dealers and cannabis cultivators to quit the trade immediately.
He said, “This is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate.”
He highlighted the NDLEA’s Alternative Development Unit, which offers offenders support to switch to lawful work. But he warned that anyone who refuses will face serious consequences.
“You will be arrested, the drugs will be seized, and your assets will be confiscated. So, you come out from jail, there will be nothing left,” he said.
He recalled his first day in office, noting that he vowed the agency would instill fear in drug cartels. “And that’s just the beginning,” he added.
Marwa also announced an expansion of NDLEA’s rehabilitation services as part of ongoing drug-demand reduction efforts. He said the agency will continue to focus on prevention, sensitisation, treatment, and counseling.
He said 30 rehab centres are currently active and that seven more will be completed under the 2025 budget so that every state will have a facility.
Marwa also praised the collaboration with the health and education ministries, noting the approval of drug testing for students entering tertiary institutions. He said the aim is to identify drug-related risks early and prevent addiction.
He ended his remarks with prayers for the President, the agency’s partners, and NDLEA personnel.
