Buba Marwa, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has issued a stern warning to drug cartels, saying his second tenure will be “hell” for anyone involved in illicit drug trafficking.
President Bola Tinubu renewed Marwa’s appointment for another five years last Friday, extending his leadership of the agency until 2031. Marwa, a former military governor of Lagos, was first appointed as NDLEA chairman in January 2021 by the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, after previously leading the presidential advisory committee for the elimination of drug abuse from 2018 to 2020.
According to a statement released on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, officials gathered at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja to welcome Marwa after the news of his reappointment.
Marwa expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, and Finance Minister Wale Edun for their continued support. He also used the opportunity to caution individuals still involved in drug trafficking, urging them to abandon the illegal trade and pursue legitimate ventures.
“First of all, what a surprise; I did not expect to come back from the Jumat service to meet these great felicitations, dancing and singing by our personnel,” the statement quoted him as saying.
He further emphasized his renewed commitment to cracking down on drug-related crimes:
“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 of or within Nigeria.”
Marwa highlighted the agency’s Alternative Development Unit as a viable path for those willing to quit the illegal drug business, especially cannabis growers, whom he described as the agency’s biggest challenge.
“This is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate,” he added.
