The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has issued a fresh warning to drug barons and trafficking cartels, pledging an even tougher crackdown on illicit drug networks nationwide during his second tenure.
Marwa, who was reappointed by President Bola Tinubu for another five-year term on Friday, November 14, 2025, delivered the warning while addressing jubilant management staff and operatives at the NDLEA National Headquarters, Abuja, shortly after the presidential announcement. The announcement was signed by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Speaking to the cheering crowd, Marwa said, “This second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass, in or out or within Nigeria”.
He expressed gratitude to God, the President, and the agency’s workforce, “We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for the special recognition of our collective efforts and the new mandate for us to continue the war against drug abuse and trafficking. I thank the management, officers, men, and women of the agency who continue to provide service to the nation 24/7, in spite of the risks you all face”.
Marwa also acknowledged the support of top government officials and international partners, “We appreciate the unflinching support by the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and all our local and international partners, with whom we continue to collaborate to rid Nigeria of illicit substances”.
He delivered a direct warning to drug traffickers and cannabis cultivators, “This is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate. Those who refuse can be sure that the NDLEA is up and able on its task of law enforcement. You will be arrested, the drugs will be seized, and your assets will be confiscated. So, when you come out from jail, there will be nothing left”.
Marwa also announced plans to expand the agency’s rehabilitation capacity as part of broader drug-demand reduction efforts, “I’ll take the opportunity to announce the rededication of our efforts towards prevention, sensitisation, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of our children in our 30 rehabilitation centres.”
He added that seven new rehab centres will be delivered under the 2025 budget, ensuring “every state will have its own rehab centre”. Marwa also praised collaboration with the Ministers of Health and Education, highlighting the approval of drug tests for students on admission into tertiary institutions.
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