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Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, has warned drug dealers, smugglers and their cartels to leave the criminal trade or face tough times as he heads into his second term.
Marwa, who was re-appointed for another five-year tenure by President Bola Tinubu on Friday, November 14, 2025, addressed the enthusiastic management staff, officers, men and women of the agency in Abuja.
NDLEA Media and Advocacy Director Femi Babafemi said in a statement on Saturday that retired Brigadier General Marwa had promised that his second term would be “hell and despair for those who fail to leave the illicit drug trade.”
He also commended the President for recognizing the agency's ongoing efforts against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
“We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for the special recognition of our collective efforts and the new mandate to continue the war against drug abuse and trafficking,” he said.
He further thanked the agency's management, officers, men and women “who continue to serve the nation 24/7 despite the risks you all face.”
Marwa also acknowledged the support of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun. He commended “all our local and international partners with whom we continue to collaborate towards liberating Nigeria from illicit substances.”
In his message to the drug cartels, he said, “First of all, this must go to the cartels. The cartels have seen nothing yet. I promise them that this second term is going to be hell and dark for them. Drugs will not go in or out of Nigeria.”
He also reaffirmed the agency's commitment to President Tinubu's mandate, assuring that “in line with our Act, we will continue to do our level best. I remember the day I assumed office, in my inaugural speech, and I said very clearly that the NDLEA will fear the drug cartels. And this is just the beginning.”
“At the same time, I must appeal to those who are engaged in illegal drug trafficking that it is the right time for them to leave that criminal business and pursue something legitimate.
“It is in line with this that we established the Alternative Development Unit, which seeks to convince perpetrators of illegal drug activities, especially cannabis growers, who are our biggest challenge in Nigeria, to desist from the practice and cooperate with us. We are going to support them in the legitimate cultivation of legitimate, legal crops that allow them to sleep with both their eyes closed.
“But those who refuse to do so can rest assured that the NDLEA is capable and competent in its task of law enforcement. You will be arrested, drugs will be seized and your assets will be confiscated. So, once you come out of prison, there will be nothing left.”
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He also assured that the agency will remain committed to its drug demand reduction efforts, adding that “I will again take the opportunity to announce the rededication of our efforts toward prevention, sensitization, counseling, treatment and rehabilitation of our children in our 30 rehabilitation centers.”
He assured that with the support of the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda, seven more rehabilitation centers are coming up under the 2025 budget, so that now every state will have its own rehabilitation centre.
“There will be regional rehabilitation, more rehabilitation centers and we are getting full support from the health minister.
“We also appreciate their efforts, and also appreciate the Minister of Education who has accepted our recommendation of drug testing for our children on admission into tertiary institutions, so that we can catch them before they get into drug addiction. May Almighty God bless our President, bless all those who are supporting us, bless the officers, men and women of the NDLEA,” he said.
