The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, has issued a stark warning to drug barons, traffickers, and their cartels, advising them to cease their criminal trade or prepare for intensified difficulties during his newly granted second tenure.

Marwa conveyed this message upon his return to the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja, where jubilant management staff, officers, men, and women of the agency had gathered to welcome him following his reappointment.

President Bola Tinubu reappointed Marwa for a second five-year term on Friday. In a statement released on Saturday by the NDLEA spokesman, Mr. Femi Babafemi, Marwa made it clear that his next term would be “hell and bleak” for those who refuse to abandon the illegal drug business.

He expressed profound gratitude to the President for recognizing the continuous efforts being made to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the nation. Marwa remarked: “First of all, what a surprise, I did not expect to come back from juma’at service to meet these great felicitations, dancing and singing by our personnel. Thank you very much.”

The Chairman then offered his thanks, stating: “We would like to thank the almighty God, because always the glory has to go to Him for everything. 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,” he emphasized.

Marwa also acknowledged the unwavering support received from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun. The NDLEA boss further extended his appreciation to all local and international partners for their continued collaboration in the mission to rid Nigeria of illicit substances.

Directly addressing those involved in the drug trade, Marwa delivered a resolute warning: “For the drug cartels, Marwa has a message: 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 or within Nigeria.”

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to fulfilling President Tinubu’s mandate, assuring that their operations would remain fully compliant with the Agency’s Act. Recalling his initial declaration upon taking office, he stated: “I remember in my inaugural speech, the day I took over, and I said very clearly that NDLEA will be feared by the drug cartels. And that’s just the beginning,” he said.

Marwa urged those engaged in the illicit drug business, particularly cannabis growers, to seek alternative, legitimate means of livelihood. He noted that this is the purpose of the established Alternative Development Unit, which seeks to collaborate with those involved, especially cannabis growers, whom he called “our greatest challenge in Nigeria,” to persuade them to desist from the habit.

He detailed the support for those who comply, promising: “We are going to support licit cultivation of crops that are legitimate, legal, and you can sleep with your two eyes closed. But those who refuse to do that can be sure that the NDLEA is up and able on its task of law enforcement. You will be arrested, the drugs will be seized, and your assets will be confiscated. So, when you come out of jail, there will be nothing left.”
The NDLEA Chairman also assured that the Agency remains deeply committed to its drug demand reduction efforts.

He announced: “I’ll take the opportunity again to announce the rededication of our efforts towards prevention, sensitisation, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of our children in our 30 rehabilitation centres. And with the support of the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda, seven more rehab centres are coming up under the 2025 budget that will now make every state to have its own rehab centre. And as well, there will be zonal rehab, more rehab centres and we are getting full collaboration from the Honorable Minister of Health,” he said.

Marwa also commended the Minister of Education for accepting the NDLEA’s recommendation for mandatory drug tests for students admitted to tertiary institutions, ensuring that those detected with drug involvement would receive necessary help before their condition advances to addiction.