The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, has delivered a stern final warning to drug traffickers operating across Nigeria, declaring that his second tenure will bring unprecedented crackdowns on narcotics networks.
Tougher Measures Against Drug Cartels
Speaking at the agency's headquarters in Abuja following his reappointment by President Bola Tinubu for another five-year term, Marwa promised that criminal organizations should expect no relief under his continued leadership. "This second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them," the NDLEA boss stated emphatically.
Marwa directly addressed individuals involved in drug trafficking or illegal cultivation, urging them to immediately abandon their criminal enterprises. "This is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate," he advised during his address to agency staff.
Consequences for Continued Trafficking
The NDLEA chairman outlined severe consequences for those who ignore his warning. "If you refuse, you will be arrested, the drugs will be seized, and your assets will be confiscated. You will come out of jail to find nothing left," Marwa declared, emphasizing the comprehensive approach the agency will take against offenders.
He reinforced the agency's commitment to stopping the flow of narcotics, stating unequivocally that "drugs shall not pass in or out or within Nigeria" under his watch. The renewed offensive aims to dismantle supply chains and block the movement of illegal substances nationwide.
Expansion of Rehabilitation Services
Beyond enforcement, Marwa detailed significant expansions to the agency's prevention and treatment programs. The NDLEA plans to construct seven additional rehabilitation centers in 2025, ensuring every state in Nigeria has access to standard counseling and treatment facilities.
"We are rededicating our efforts to prevention, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation," Marwa explained, highlighting the balanced approach combining enforcement with support services. The agency will also implement recently approved drug testing for students entering tertiary institutions, aiming to "catch them young before addiction sets in."
Marwa expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, NDLEA personnel, and international partners, noting that the extension of his mandate reflects confidence in the agency's work and the need to consolidate recent gains in the fight against drug abuse.
