Marwa vows tougher crackdown as he begins second term at NDLEA

Mohamed Buba Marwa, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has issued a renewed warning to drug barons and trafficking cartels, declaring that his second term will bring an even more aggressive assault on illicit drug networks across the country.

Marwa, who was reappointed by President Bola Tinubu for another five-year term on Friday, November 14, 2025, delivered the message while addressing jubilant management staff and operatives at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja. Personnel had gathered in large numbers to celebrate his return shortly after the presidential announcement.

The appointment was confirmed in a statement signed by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at the NDLEA Headquarters, on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

Speaking to the cheering staff, Marwa said his renewed mandate signalled a sharper and more determined offensive against drug traffickers. “This second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass, in or out or within Nigeria,” he said.

Visibly moved by the warm reception, Marwa added, “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. “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 commended the consistent support from key government officials and international partners.

“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,” he said.

Directing a stern message to drug traffickers and cannabis cultivators, Marwa urged them to abandon illicit operations. “This is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate,” he warned.