The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has issued a fresh warning to drug barons and trafficking cartels.
This is as he declared that his second tenure will usher in an even tougher crackdown on illicit drug networks nationwide.
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 who thronged the NDLEA National Headquarters, Abuja, to welcome him shortly after the presidential announcement.
The announcement was signed by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Addressing the cheering crowd, Marwa said his return signals a renewed and intensified offensive: “This second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass, in or out or within Nigeria.”
Marwa said he was taken aback by the welcome: “First of all, what a surprise, I did not expect to come back from jumat service to meet these great felicitations, dancing and singing by our personnel. Thank you very much.”
He expressed gratitude to God, the President, and the agency’s workforce, adding: “We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for the special recognition of our collective efforts and the new mandate for us to continue with 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 that you all face.”
Marwa also acknowledged the steady support of top government officials and international partners.
He said, “We appreciate the unflinching support by the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN and the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun… and all our local and international partners, with whom we have continued to collaborate towards ridding Nigeria of illicit substances.”
“Drop the criminal trade now” — Marwa warns traffickers
Marwa delivered a direct message to drug traffickers and cannabis cultivators.
He said, “This is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate.”
He referenced the NDLEA’s Alternative Development Unit, designed to help transition offenders into legal livelihoods, but made it clear that defiance will carry dire consequences.
“Those who refuse to do that 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, you come out from jail, there will be nothing left,” he added.
Reaffirming the agency’s mandate, he recalled his first day in office: “I said very clearly that NDLEA will be feared by the drug cartels. And that’s just the beginning.”
NDLEA rehabilitation efforts
Marwa also announced an expansion of the agency’s rehabilitation capacity as part of broader drug-demand reduction efforts.
“I’ll take the opportunity again to announce the rededication of our efforts towards prevention, sensitisation, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of our children in our 30 rehabilitation centres,” he said.
He added that seven new rehab centres will be delivered under the 2025 budget, saying this will ensure that “every state will have its own rehab centre.”
Marwa praised the collaboration with the Ministers of Health and Education, noting especially the approval of “drug tests for students on admission into tertiary institutions.”
“With this, we can catch them young before it gets into addiction stage,” he said, offering prayers for the president, supporters, and all NDLEA personnel.
