NDLEA chief vows intensified crackdown on traffickers as Tinubu renew
s five-year mandate
Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has warned drug barons, traffickers and their networks to abandon the illicit drug trade or brace for an intensified crackdown as he begins his second tenure.
According to a press statement issued by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, on Saturday, 15th November 2025, Marwa delivered the warning a day after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reappointed him for another five-year term on Friday, 14 November 2025. The NDLEA boss addressed jubilant management and personnel who gathered at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja to welcome him after Juma’at prayers.
Marwa expressed gratitude for the president’s confidence in the agency’s ongoing efforts against substance abuse and drug trafficking. He thanked God for the opportunity to continue the work and praised officers, men and women of the NDLEA for their dedication despite the risks associated with the job.
“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. “I also appreciate the management, officers, men and women of the Agency who provide service to the nation 24/7, in spite of the risks.”
He acknowledged the support of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun. He also extended appreciation to the agency’s local and international partners for their ongoing collaboration in the fight against illicit substances.
Issuing a direct warning to drug cartels, Marwa declared: “The cartels have not seen anything yet. 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 would continue to be a force feared by drug syndicates, as he had pledged upon assuming office during his first tenure.
Marwa also appealed to individuals still involved in drug trafficking to leave the illegal trade and embrace legitimate means of livelihood. He highlighted the work of the agency’s Alternative Development Unit, which encourages cannabis growers and other perpetrators to transition to lawful agricultural ventures. “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,” he warned.
On drug demand reduction, Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to prevention, sensitization, counseling, treatment and rehabilitation. He disclosed that the NDLEA currently operates 30 rehabilitation centres, with seven more to be established under the 2025 budget, ensuring that each state will have one. Additional zonal rehabilitation centres are also planned with the support of the Minister of Health.
He noted that the Minister of Education had approved the agency’s recommendation for drug tests for students upon admission into tertiary institutions as part of early prevention strategies.
In his closing remarks, Marwa prayed for President Tinubu, supporters of NDLEA, and officers, men and women in the agency. “May the Almighty God bless our President, bless all those supporting us, and bless the officers, men and women of NDLEA,” he said in prayer.
