President Tinubu Reappoints Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa as NDLEA Chairman for Second Five-Year Term

President Tinubu Reappoints Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa as NDLEA Chairman for Second Five-Year Term

In a move that underscores the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed the appointment of Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for another five-year term.  This reappointment, announced by the State House, Abuja, ensures that Marwa, the Adamawa-born retired military officer, will continue leading the agency until 2031.  Coming just days after the agency’s latest high-profile busts, the decision has been hailed as a strategic endorsement of Marwa’s transformative leadership in one of Africa’s most critical battles against narcotics.

The NDLEA, established in 1990 under Decree No. 48 (now the NDLEA Act), plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s national security architecture. It is tasked with enforcing laws against the cultivation, processing, sale, trafficking, and use of hard drugs, while also coordinating international cooperation on drug control. Under Marwa’s stewardship since January 2021 when he was first appointed by then-President Muhammadu Buhari the agency has evolved from a reactive force into a proactive powerhouse, leveraging technology, intelligence, and community engagement to dismantle drug syndicates.

Marwa’s Illustrious Background: From Military Frontlines to Anti-Drug Vanguard

Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa’s journey to the helm of the NDLEA is as storied as it is inspiring. Born in Adamawa State, Marwa’s early education laid the foundation for a distinguished military career. A graduate of the prestigious Nigerian Military School and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1973.  His service record reads like a chronicle of dedication: he served as Brigade Major of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Theophilus Danjuma, and even as Academic Registrar of the NDA. (Daily Post)

Marwa’s military accolades extended to governance roles during Nigeria’s military era. He was the Military Administrator of Borno State from 1993 to 1996 and later of Lagos State from 1996 to 1999, a period marked by infrastructural advancements and urban renewal in the commercial hub.  Post-retirement, his expertise in public administration shone through advanced degrees: a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh (1983 –1985) and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government (1985–1986).  These qualifications equipped him for his pre-NDLEA role as Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA) from 2018 to 2020, where he laid the groundwork for holistic anti-drug strategies.

A Legacy of Unprecedented Achievements: Transforming NDLEA’s Impact

President Tinubu’s decision to reappoint Marwa is no mere formality; it is a resounding vote of confidence in a tenure defined by quantifiable triumphs. Since assuming office, Marwa has overseen the arrest of over 73,000 drug traffickers, mules, and barons figures that represent a seismic shift in enforcement efficacy.  Equally staggering are the seizures: more than 15 million kilograms of assorted hard drugs, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and cannabis, have been intercepted, preventing an estimated flood of narcotics into Nigerian streets and beyond.

These operations have not been isolated raids but part of a broader ecosystem overhaul. Marwa introduced the “War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA) campaign, a nationwide initiative that has sensitized millions through school programs, community rallies, and media drives. The campaign targets vulnerable demographics, particularly the youth, who President Tinubu noted are the primary victims of “merchants of hard drugs out to destroy our people.”  NDLEA’s canine units, maritime interdiction teams, and airport surveillance have been bolstered, leading to landmark busts such as the 2023 seizure of 1.8 tons of cocaine at Lagos’ Tincan Island Port and the 2024 dismantling of a synthetic drug lab in Kano State.

Marwa’s leadership has also fostered robust international partnerships. Collaborations with the United States, through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), have provided training, equipment, and intelligence-sharing, amplifying NDLEA’s reach.  Domestically, inter-agency cooperation with the Nigeria Police Force, Customs Service, and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has created a united front against transnational crime syndicates.

Why This Reappointment Matters: Sustaining Momentum in a High-Stakes Fight

In his statement, President Tinubu emphasized that Marwa’s renewal “is a vote of confidence in your onerous efforts to rid our country of the menace of drug trafficking and drug abuse.”  This is particularly timely amid rising global concerns over Africa’s role as a transit hub for South American cartels targeting Europe. Nigeria’s porous borders and economic vulnerabilities make it a prime target, with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimating that drug-related crimes cost the continent billions annually in health, security, and productivity losses.

The reappointment signals policy continuity under Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which prioritizes security as a bedrock for economic growth. By retaining Marwa, the administration avoids the disruptions of leadership transitions, allowing sustained investment in NDLEA’s modernization such as drone surveillance and forensic labs. Critics might argue for fresh blood to address emerging threats like synthetic opioids, but Marwa’s track record suggests evolution over revolution. His focus on rehabilitation centers and de-addiction programs complements enforcement, promoting a balanced approach that treats addiction as a public health issue.

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Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities Under Marwa’s Renewed Mandate

As Marwa embarks on his second term, the road ahead bristles with challenges. Climate change exacerbates cannabis cultivation in northern Nigeria, while online dark web markets fuel synthetic drug proliferation. Corruption within supply chains and underfunded border controls remain Achilles’ heels. Yet, opportunities abound: leveraging AI for predictive policing, expanding WADA to digital platforms, and deepening ties with the African Union’s drug control framework.

Marwa himself has vowed to intensify operations, stating in past interviews that “no sanctuary exists for drug lords in Nigeria.” With presidential backing, this renewed term could etch NDLEA’s name in the annals of global anti-narcotics success stories.

President Tinubu’s reappointment of Brigadier-General Marwa is more than an administrative act, it’s a clarion call for collective vigilance against the shadows of addiction and crime. As Nigeria strides toward 2030, a drug-free nation isn’t just aspirational; under leaders like Marwa, it’s increasingly attainable.