The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has issued a stern warning to drug barons and trafficking syndicates across the country.
His declaration comes on the heels of his reappointment by President Bola Tinubu for another five-year term.
Marwa received a rousing welcome from jubilant NDLEA personnel at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja shortly after the announcement was made public, with many operatives celebrating what they described as renewed momentum for the anti-drug war.
“This second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass, in or out or within Nigeria,” he vowed while addressing officers who gathered to greet him.
He told the crowd he had not anticipated such a huge reception, noting that he returned from Jumat prayers to find staff singing and dancing.
Marwa expressed appreciation to God, the President and the agency’s workforce for their contributions to the country’s drug-control efforts.
He also highlighted the risks NDLEA operatives face while working around the clock to curb the circulation of illicit substances.
Marwa acknowledged the strong cooperation the agency enjoys from key government officials and international partners, emphasising that such support has strengthened their operations.
He also commended the Attorney General of the Federation, the Finance Minister and other stakeholders for backing the NDLEA’s objectives.
Turning his attention to drug cartels and cannabis growers, he issued a direct warning for them to abandon the trade immediately, stressing that the consequences of defiance will be severe.
“You will be arrested, the drugs will be seized, and your assets will be confiscated. When you leave jail, there will be nothing left,” he cautioned, adding that offenders have a window to switch to legitimate work through the agency’s Alternative Development programme.
Marwa also announced plans to scale up the NDLEA’s rehabilitation capacity nationwide as part of an expanded drug-demand reduction strategy.
He said the agency currently operates 30 rehab centres and has secured funding for seven additional facilities under the 2025 budget.
He noted that the collaboration between the NDLEA, the Health Ministry and the Education Ministry has led to the approval of drug testing for students entering tertiary institutions, a move he said will help detect early-stage substance use among young people.