Buba Marwa, reappointed as chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has issued a stern warning to drug traffickers, promising that his second tenure will be exceptionally tough on criminal networks.
President Bola Tinubu extended Marwa’s leadership of the agency for another five years on Friday, securing his position until 2031. Marwa, a former military governor of Lagos, first assumed the NDLEA chairmanship in January 2021 under the late President Muhammadu Buhari and previously served as head of the presidential advisory committee on drug abuse elimination from 2018 to 2020.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said officials at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja celebrated Marwa’s return, greeting him with dancing and singing. Marwa expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, and Finance Minister Wale Edun for their continued support.
Addressing drug cartels, Marwa issued a clear threat: his second term will be “hell” for anyone involved in illegal drug trade, declaring that trafficking within, into, or out of Nigeria will not be tolerated.
At the same time, he appealed to those currently involved in drug-related activities to abandon criminality and pursue legitimate livelihoods. Marwa highlighted the agency’s Alternative Development Unit, which works to encourage cannabis growers and other offenders—the sector posing the greatest challenge—to cease illegal operations and cooperate with authorities.
“First, this word must go to the cartels. 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 of or within Nigeria,” Marwa stated.
He added that the NDLEA remains committed to creating opportunities for former offenders to transition into lawful economic activities, reinforcing a dual strategy of enforcement and rehabilitation.
