A United States–based security research and strategy organisation, Ogun Security Research and Strategic Consulting LLC (OSRS), has named the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), as Security Leader of the Year 2025.
The Texas-based institute announced the recognition in a statement published on its website on Thursday, December 25, 2025, following what it described as an independent, AI-assisted and evidence-based assessment of Nigeria’s security leadership landscape.
According to OSRS, Marwa emerged top based on operational effectiveness, integrity, institutional reform and sustained public confidence at a time when Nigeria faced complex challenges including terrorism, drug trafficking, organised crime and public scepticism toward state institutions.
The organisation explained that its assessment focused on four pillars: measurable national security impact, respect for human rights and the rule of law, employee welfare and internal discipline, as well as public trust and institutional credibility. Artificial intelligence was deployed to analyse open-source data and verified records, with human experts reviewing and validating the findings.
OSRS noted that under Marwa’s leadership in 2025, the NDLEA recorded historic achievements, including the dismantling of international drug trafficking networks, interception of record volumes of illicit drugs and disruption of criminal supply chains that finance terrorism and organised violence. These successes were attributed to intelligence-led operations, improved internal controls and stronger international cooperation.
Beyond operational outcomes, the institute commended Marwa for driving reforms within the NDLEA, strengthening accountability mechanisms, improving officers’ welfare and morale, and maintaining high standards of discipline in an environment often challenged by corruption.
On public perception, OSRS said the NDLEA emerged in 2025 as one of Nigeria’s most credible and professional security institutions, attributing this to Marwa’s emphasis on professionalism, accountability and adherence to legal standards.
The organisation concluded that Marwa’s selection reflected a growing shift in security governance, where effectiveness is judged not only by force but also by institutional integrity, staff welfare and public trust, described his leadership as a practical model for broader security sector reform in Nigeria.
