Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has issued a stern warning to drug barons, traffickers and their cartels, declaring that his second tenure will be “hell and bleak” for anyone who refuses to quit the illicit drug trade.
Marwa, who was reappointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for another five-year term on Friday, 14th November 2025, gave the warning while addressing jubilant management staff, officers, men and women of the Agency who trooped out to welcome him at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja following the presidential announcement.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for acknowledging the Agency’s sustained fight against substance abuse and drug trafficking, Marwa commended personnel for their dedication despite the risks associated with the job.
“First of all, what a surprise… I did not expect to come back from Jumat service to meet these great felicitations, dancing and singing. 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,” he said.
He also acknowledged the consistent support of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; and Nigeria’s local and international partners who continue to collaborate with the Agency.
Turning his message to the drug cartels, Marwa issued a firm declaration:
“The cartels have not seen anything yet. I promise them this second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass, in or out or within Nigeria.”
He reaffirmed that NDLEA will remain relentless in enforcing President Tinubu’s mandate, reminding his audience of his initial vow upon assuming office: “NDLEA will be feared by the drug cartels. And that’s just the beginning.”
A statement issued by
Femi Babafemi,
Director, Media & Advocacy explained that
Marwa also appealed to individuals involved in illicit drug activities to take advantage of the Agency’s Alternative Development Unit, which encourages cannabis growers and other offenders to transition into legal livelihoods.
“This is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate… We are going to support licit cultivation of legitimate crops,” he said.
“But those who refuse should be certain: you will be arrested, the drugs will be seized, and your assets will be confiscated. You will come out of jail to find nothing left.”
He noted that the Agency will intensify efforts in drug demand reduction through prevention, sensitization, counseling, treatment and rehabilitation across its 30 existing centres. With the support of President Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, seven new rehabilitation centres will be established in 2025—ensuring every state in the country has at least one.
Marwa further commended the Ministers of Health and Education, noting that the latter has approved the Agency’s recommendation for drug tests for students on admission into tertiary institutions to curb early-stage addiction.
“May Almighty God bless our President, bless all those supporting us, and bless the officers, men and women of NDLEA,” he concluded.
