Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has warned drug barons, traffickers, and their cartels to immediately abandon the illicit drug trade or face even harsher consequences during his second tenure.
Marwa, who was reappointed on Friday, 14th November 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for another five-year term, issued the warning while addressing jubilant management and staff who gathered to welcome him back to the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja. He expressed gratitude to the President for recognising the ongoing efforts against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country.
“First of all, what a surprise. I did not expect to return from Juma’at service to such great felicitations, dancing and singing by our personnel. We thank the Almighty God because the glory always goes to Him for everything. We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for the special recognition of our collective efforts and the new mandate to continue the war against drug abuse and trafficking,” he said.
Marwa commended the management, officers, men and women of the Agency for their tireless service to the nation despite the enormous risks involved. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun; as well as both local and international partners who continue to collaborate with the NDLEA in strengthening Nigeria’s drug control framework.
Turning to drug cartels, he issued a stern warning:
“The cartels have not seen anything yet. I promise them this second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass, in or out or within Nigeria.”
Marwa reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to President Tinubu’s mandate, recalling his inaugural speech in 2021, where he vowed that NDLEA would become a force feared by drug traffickers. “And that is just the beginning,” he added.
Appealing directly to individuals still involved in drug trafficking, Marwa advised them to take advantage of the Agency’s Alternative Development Unit, which support the transition of cannabis growers and other illicit operators into legitimate agricultural and economic activities.
“This is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate. We will support licit cultivation of legal crops that will allow them to sleep with their two eyes closed. But those who refuse can be sure the NDLEA is up and able. You will be arrested, the drugs seized, and your assets confiscated. You will come out of jail to find nothing left,” he warned.
Marwa also reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to drug demand reduction, noting ongoing efforts in prevention, sensitisation, counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation across the Agency’s 30 rehabilitation centres. He announced that, under the Renewed Hope Agenda and the 2025 budget, seven additional rehabilitation centres would be established ensuring that every state in the federation has one.
He also disclosed ongoing collaboration with the Ministers of Health and Education, the latter having approved NDLEA’s recommendation for drug testing of students upon admission into tertiary institutions to discourage early addiction.
“May the Almighty God bless our President, bless all those supporting us, and bless the officers, men and women of NDLEA,” Marwa prayed.
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