Marwa Warns Drug Barons: “Get Ready For More Hard Time” As Tinubu Extends His Tenure

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his reappointment, which allows him to continue ongoing efforts against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement on Saturday, released through the agency’s Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Marwa thanked the President for recognising the agency’s efforts and for granting him a second five-year tenure, starting Friday, 14th November 2025.

Marwa used the occasion to warn drug barons, traffickers, and their cartels to abandon illegal operations or face harsher consequences under his renewed leadership.

“First of all, what a surprise! I did not expect to come back from Jumat service to meet such felicitations, dancing, and singing by our personnel. Thank you very much. We thank Almighty God, for always giving glory where it is due. We also thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for this special recognition of our collective efforts and the new mandate to continue the war against drug abuse and trafficking. I appreciate the management, officers, men, and women of the agency, who provide service 24/7 despite the risks they face,” Marwa said.

He also acknowledged local and international partners, as well as the support of Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.

Marwa sent a stern warning to drug cartels: “The cartels have not seen anything yet. This second tenure will be hell for them. Drugs shall not pass, in, out, or within Nigeria.” He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to enforcing the law, saying, “We will continue to do our best. When I first took over, I said NDLEA will be feared by drug cartels, and this is just the beginning.”

He appealed to those engaged in illicit drug activities to abandon the trade and embrace legitimate livelihoods, citing the agency’s Alternative Development Unit, which assists cannabis growers and other offenders to transition to legal cultivation.

“But those who refuse to cooperate should know that NDLEA is ready. You will be arrested, drugs will be seized, and assets confiscated. When you come out of jail, there will be nothing left,” he warned.

Marwa also reiterated the agency’s commitment to reducing drug demand through prevention, sensitization, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation. He announced plans to expand rehabilitation centres under the 2025 budget, ensuring every state will have one, with additional zonal centres to follow.

He praised the support of the Ministers of Health and Education, noting that drug tests will now be conducted for students entering tertiary institutions to curb addiction early.

“May Almighty God bless our President, all those supporting us, and the officers, men, and women of NDLEA,” he concluded.