NDLEA boss declares second term ‘hell’ for drug cartels
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, has issued a strong warning to drug barons, traffickers, and cartels, instructing them to stop their illicit activities or face increased challenges during his newly given second term.Marwa delivered this remark upon his return to the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja, where ecstatic management staff, officers, men and women from the agency had gathered to greet him upon his reappointment.
President Bola Tinubu reappointed Marwa to a second five-year term on Friday. In a statement released on Saturday by NDLEA spokesman Mr. Femi Babafemi, Marwa made it clear that his next term would be "hell and bleak" for those who fail to forsake the illegal drug trade.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the President for recognizing the ongoing efforts to combat substance misuse and illicit drug trafficking throughout the country. Marwa said, "First and foremost, what a surprise; I did not expect to return from juma'at service to see such great felicitations, dancing, and singing by our personnel." "Thank you so much."
The Chairman then expressed his gratitude, saying: "We would like to thank the almighty God, for all glory must go to Him for everything. We applaud the President and Commander-in-Chief for their special appreciation of our combined efforts, as well as the new mandate to continue fighting drug misuse and trafficking. I thank the management, officers, men, and women of the agency.
The Chairman then expressed his gratitude, saying: "We would like to thank the almighty God, for all glory must go to Him for everything. We applaud the President and Commander-in-Chief for their special appreciation of our combined efforts, as well as the new mandate to continue fighting drug misuse and trafficking. I thank the management, officers, men, and women of the agency.
Marwa also praised the unflinching support of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun. The NDLEA chief also thanked all local and international partners for their continuous support in the fight to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs.
Directly targeting individuals involved in the drug trade, Marwa issued a stern warning: "For the drug cartels, Marwa has a message: First, this word must reach the cartels. The cartels haven't seen anything yet. I promise them that their second tenure will be misery and dismal. Drugs shall not move into, out of, or within Nigeria."
Directly targeting individuals involved in the drug trade, Marwa issued a stern warning: "For the drug cartels, Marwa has a message: First, this word must reach the cartels. The cartels haven't seen anything yet. I promise them that their second tenure will be misery and dismal. Drugs shall not move into, out of, or within Nigeria."
He underlined the agency's commitment to carrying out President Tinubu's mandate, ensuring that their operations will be entirely compliance with the Agency's Act. Recalling his first proclamation upon assuming office, he stated: "I recall in my inaugural speech, the day I took over, and I indicated very clearly that the drug cartels would dread the NDLEA. And that's only the beginning," he explained.
Marwa urged persons involved in the criminal drug trade, particularly cannabis farmers, to seek alternate, lawful sources of income. He stated that the formed Alternative Development Unit tries to cooperate with people involved, particularly cannabis farmers, whom he referred to as "our greatest challenge in Nigeria," in order to persuade them to give up the habit.
Marwa urged persons involved in the criminal drug trade, particularly cannabis farmers, to seek alternate, lawful sources of income. He stated that the formed Alternative Development Unit tries to cooperate with people involved, particularly cannabis farmers, whom he referred to as "our greatest challenge in Nigeria," in order to persuade them to give up 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 praised the Minister of Education for embracing the NDLEA's request for mandatory drug tests for students accepted to tertiary institutions, guaranteeing that those discovered with drug involvement receive the appropriate assistance before their condition worsens into addiction.
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