‘Get Ready For More Hard Time’ – Marwa Tells Drug Barons, Cartels As Tinubu Extends Appointment
In a fiery address that has Nigerian drug networks on edge, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) issued a stark warning to illicit operators: abandon the trade or face unrelenting pursuit. Fresh off his reappointment by President Bola Tinubu, Marwa’s vow signals an escalation in Nigeria’s war on narcotics, with NDLEA Chairman reappointment and Tinubu Marwa extension dominating headlines amid surging concerns over drug cartels Nigeria and Buba Marwa NDLEA.
The announcement hit like a thunderclap on November 14, 2025, when President Tinubu renewed Marwa’s tenure as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for another five years, locking in his leadership until 2031. This extension, hailed as a “vote of confidence” in Marwa’s track record, comes at a pivotal moment as Nigeria grapples with rising drug abuse rates, particularly among youth in urban centers like Lagos and Abuja.
Marwa, an Adamawa-born retired military officer with a storied career spanning roles as military governor of Lagos and Borno states, Aide-de-Camp to former Army Chief Theophilus Danjuma, and defense adviser at the UN, first took the NDLEA helm in January 2021 under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. His initial stint transformed the agency into a formidable force, boasting over 73,000 arrests of traffickers and barons, seizures exceeding 15 million kilograms of hard drugs like cocaine, heroin, and tramadol, and convictions topping 12,000. Beyond enforcement, Marwa spearheaded demand-reduction initiatives, counseling and rehabilitating more than 8,200 users while launching nationwide awareness campaigns that reached millions.
Speaking to jubilant NDLEA staff at the agency’s Abuja headquarters on November 15, Marwa didn’t mince words. “The cartels have not seen anything yet,” he declared, his voice echoing through the cheering crowd. “I promise them this second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass—in or out or within Nigeria.” He urged barons and syndicates to “quit the criminal trade now or get ready for more hard time,” promising swift arrests, asset forfeitures, and unyielding operations. Marwa credited the agency’s success to round-the-clock dedication from officers risking their lives daily, while thanking Tinubu for recognizing these efforts.
This reappointment underscores Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, prioritizing security and public health. In his endorsement, the president urged Marwa to “not relent in tracking the merchants of hard drugs out to destroy our people, especially the young ones.” It’s a direct nod to the escalating crisis: Nigeria ranks among Africa’s top transit hubs for global drug flows, with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime estimating annual trafficking values at $2 billion. Under Marwa, NDLEA has dismantled key routes at seaports like Apapa and airports in Lagos, including a record 2024 bust of 1.8 tons of cocaine hidden in wood shipments.
Public and expert reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, blending relief with calls for sustained momentum. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun praised the move as “a vote for competence and integrity,” highlighting Marwa’s role in curbing narcotics that fuel insecurity and youth unrest. APC chieftain Bola Onagoruwa echoed this, calling it “great news for Nigeria’s safety and future.” On X, the official NDLEA account amplified Marwa’s warning, drawing over 1,200 views in hours, with users posting fire emojis and comments like “Finally, a leader who means business against these cartels.” Independent analysts, including those from the Centre for Democracy and Development, note that Marwa’s military background has injected discipline and tech-savvy tactics, like drone surveillance and AI-driven intelligence, into operations—boosting conviction rates by 40% since 2021.
For everyday Nigerians, this extension hits close to home, promising ripple effects on economy, lifestyle, and security. Drug abuse drains billions from healthcare and productivity, with over 14.3 million users aged 15-64 per recent surveys, exacerbating poverty in a nation where youth unemployment hovers at 53%. Marwa’s push for mandatory drug testing in tertiary admissions—now greenlit by the Education Minister—aims to “catch them young,” potentially slashing addiction rates and safeguarding the workforce. Economically, dismantling cartels could reclaim ports and borders for legitimate trade, aligning with Tinubu’s diversification goals amid oil volatility. On the lifestyle front, safer communities mean fewer families shattered by addiction-fueled crime, from petty theft in Kano markets to banditry in the northwest. Politically, it bolsters Tinubu’s image as a tough-on-crime reformer, though critics whisper of over-reliance on one figure—yet Marwa’s results speak louder.
Looking ahead, Marwa outlined ambitious plans: expanding NDLEA’s 30 rehab centers to 37 by end-2025, one per state plus zonal hubs, funded through the national budget. Cross-border pacts with Interpol and West African neighbors will intensify, targeting syndicates linked to Latin American suppliers. “Those who refuse to quit can be sure NDLEA is up and able,” he affirmed, invoking his 2021 inaugural pledge to make the agency “feared by cartels.” As operations ramp up, expect more high-profile raids and international collaborations, ensuring Nigeria’s fight against the drug menace doesn’t just endure—it dominates.
With Marwa at the wheel through 2031, drug barons face a clear message: the heat is just beginning. This reappointment not only extends a proven strategy but fortifies Nigeria’s defenses, promising cleaner streets, stronger families, and a brighter horizon free from the shadows of addiction and trafficking.
By Sam Michael
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