Tinubu Reappoints Marwa as NDLEA Boss, Extends Tenure to 2031

Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reappointed Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for another five-year term, a decision widely seen as a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s ongoing war against drug trafficking and abuse.

The appointment, announced Friday, means Marwa will remain at the helm of the agency until 2031.

Analysts say the reappointment signals continuity in one of the most aggressive anti-narcotics campaigns the country has witnessed in decades.

A Tenure Marked by Major Reforms and Record-Breaking Results

Since assuming leadership of the NDLEA in January 2021, Marwa has overseen sweeping reforms that transformed the agency into a more coordinated, intelligence-driven operation.

Under his watch, the NDLEA has recorded:

• Over 73,000 arrests of drug traffickers and barons
• More than 15 million kilogrammes of various illicit drugs seized
• Dozens of drug syndicates dismantled across states
• Expanded public sensitisation campaigns on drug abuse prevention

The agency also introduced community-based interventions, strengthened international partnerships, and intensified surveillance of trafficking routes nationwide.

Security experts say these achievements revived the credibility of the NDLEA and re-established Nigeria as a key player in global anti-narcotics enforcement.

A Career Rooted in Discipline and Public Service

Marwa’s background continues to shape his leadership style. Beginning his military career in 1973 as a Second Lieutenant, he served in multiple command and administrative capacities, including Aide-de-Camp to General Theophilus Danjuma, and later as Nigeria’s ambassadorial representative in Washington.

He governed Lagos and Borno States and holds master’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University, an experience that reinforced his approach to public sector reforms.

Tinubu’s Message: ‘Do Not Relent’

In reaffirming Marwa’s leadership, President Tinubu praised his performance and urged him to intensify efforts to protect Nigerians, especially youths, from the dangers of narcotics.

“Your reappointment is a vote of confidence,” Tinubu said. “Do not relent. Track the merchants of hard drugs, who are out to destroy our people, especially the young ones.”

The directive was interpreted as both commendation and a call to deepen the agency’s offensive against drug cartels.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening the War on Drugs

With his mandate extended to 2031, Marwa is expected to consolidate his reforms, expand rehabilitation programmes, strengthen border surveillance, and increase collaboration with international drug enforcement bodies.

Observers say the reappointment eliminates uncertainty at a crucial time when drug trafficking networks are becoming more sophisticated.

For drug cartels operating within and beyond Nigeria, one message is now clear:
the General remains on the battlefield — and the war continues.