Chairman/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 their illicit operations or face an even more relentless crackdown during his second term in office.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reappointed Marwa for another five-year tenure on Friday, November 14, 2025.

Speaking at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, where jubilant officers and staff gathered to celebrate the news, Marwa declared that his renewed mandate would bring far harsher consequences for criminal groups that refuse to quit the drug trade.

The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the remarks in a statement issued on Saturday.

Marwa thanked President Tinubu for acknowledging the agency’s ongoing efforts to tackle drug abuse and trafficking nationwide. He also commended NDLEA personnel for their dedication despite the risks involved in their work.

“We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for recognising our collective efforts and entrusting us with a renewed mandate to continue the war against drug abuse and trafficking,” he said.

He further expressed appreciation to the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the agency’s local and international partners for their consistent support.

Turning to the cartels, Marwa issued a stern warning:
“The cartels have not seen anything yet. This second tenure will be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass — in, out, or within Nigeria.”

He reaffirmed NDLEA’s unwavering commitment to enforcing the law and dismantling drug networks, noting that his inaugural pledge to make the agency feared by cartels “was just the beginning.”

Marwa also appealed to individuals involved in illicit drug cultivation and trafficking to embrace legitimate alternatives. He highlighted the agency’s Alternative Development Unit, created to support those willing to switch from cultivating illegal substances—especially cannabis—to legal crop production.

“For those who refuse, we are up to the task. You will be arrested, your drugs seized, and your assets confiscated. When you leave prison, nothing will be left,” he warned.

He further pledged continued investment in drug-demand reduction efforts, including prevention, counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation. NDLEA currently operates 30 rehabilitation centres, with seven more to be established under the 2025 budget—ensuring that every state will have at least one facility.

Marwa also praised the Ministers of Health and Education, noting the adoption of NDLEA’s recommendation for drug testing of new entrants into tertiary institutions as part of early prevention strategies.

“May God bless our President, our supporters, and the dedicated officers, men, and women of the NDLEA,” he added.