Abuja, Nigeria —
Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
(NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), has issued a stern
warning to drug barons, traffickers and their networks to abandon the illegal
drug trade or brace for an even tougher crackdown during his second five-year
term.
Marwa, who was reappointed by President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu on Friday, November 14, 2025, addressed jubilant NDLEA personnel who
gathered at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja to welcome him back. He
vowed that his renewed mandate would intensify pressure on drug cartels across
the country.
“This second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for
them. Drugs shall not pass — in or out or within Nigeria,” Marwa declared.
“Those who refuse to quit will be arrested, their drugs seized, and their
assets confiscated. By the time they come out of jail, nothing will be left.”
‘A Vote of Confidence’ — Marwa Thanks
President Tinubu
Marwa expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu
for what he described as a recognition of the agency’s ongoing efforts in
combating substance abuse and drug trafficking nationwide.
“We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for
this special recognition of our collective efforts,” he said. “I also thank the
management, officers, men and women of the agency who serve the nation 24/7
despite the risks.”
He also acknowledged support from key government
officials, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef
Fagbemi (SAN), and the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, as well as NDLEA’s
numerous local and international partners.
A Tougher Crackdown and a Push for Legal
Alternatives
Marwa emphasized that the NDLEA will intensify its
enforcement operations while also expanding programmes aimed at offering
legitimate alternatives—especially to cannabis growers.
“This is the right time for them to drop that criminal
business,” he said. “That is why we established the Alternative Development
Unit, to provide pathways for licit cultivation of legal crops. Those who
collaborate with us will be supported.”
He warned that those who resist the shift to lawful
means will face uncompromising enforcement under the NDLEA Act.
More Rehabilitation Centres, Mandatory
Drug Tests for Students
Beyond enforcement, Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s
commitment to drug demand reduction, including prevention campaigns,
counselling and rehabilitation.
He announced the expansion of NDLEA rehabilitation
centres from 30 to 37, covering every state, with seven new centres approved
under the 2025 budget as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also commended the Minister of Education for
approving NDLEA’s recommendation for drug testing of students on admission into
tertiary institutions.
“With this, we can catch them young before addiction
sets in,” Marwa said.
‘Drugs Will Not Pass’ — NDLEA Strengthens
Resolve
Marwa reminded officers of his promise upon assuming
office in 2021 that under his leadership the NDLEA would become a force feared
by drug cartels.
“That was just the beginning,” he said. “With this
renewed mandate, we will continue to do our level best. May God bless our
President, bless all those supporting us, and bless the officers, men and women
of the NDLEA.”
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