The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described the tenure of Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) as the most transformative era in the history of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), citing unprecedented arrests, convictions, and institutional reforms since the agency’s creation in 1989.
A review by HURIWA highlighted that while previous chairmen contributed to the NDLEA’s development, none matched the scale, scope, or sustained momentum achieved under Marwa’s leadership.
Since taking office in January 2021, Marwa’s administration has overseen more than 73,000 arrests, including 110 high-profile drug barons, secured over 12,000 convictions, and confiscated 15 million kilograms of illicit substances. These results surpass the combined performance of several past administrations.
In 2024 alone, the NDLEA reportedly arrested 17,670 suspects, seized 2.7 million kilograms of illicit drugs, and counselled 8,129 drug users through its demand-reduction programs. The agency also conducted 3,000 sensitisation campaigns, reaching an estimated 1.8 million Nigerians.
HURIWA noted that Marwa’s leadership goes beyond conventional enforcement, emphasizing preventive education, counselling, and international collaboration. Initiatives like the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), targeting transnational cartels, and legislative reforms to strengthen the NDLEA Act, have redefined the country’s anti-narcotics approach.
Comparatively, while previous chairmen such as Ahmadu Giade and Alhaji Bello Yusuf Lafiaji made notable contributions, HURIWA observed that Marwa’s tenure uniquely combines operational excellence, transparency, and integrity. No corruption scandals have been linked to his administration, a contrast to some earlier leaderships.
“The NDLEA under Marwa has shown what strong, accountable leadership can achieve when backed by institutional vision,” HURIWA stated. “His record-breaking performance has restored public trust in an agency once plagued by low morale and weak enforcement.”
HURIWA called on the Federal Government to sustain the momentum through improved funding, enhanced welfare for operatives, and continued support for community-based initiatives, which have proven effective in reducing drug dependence and related crimes.
The association also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment that empowered the NDLEA to undertake some of the most formidable counter-narcotics operations in Nigeria’s history.
“What Marwa has achieved in less than five years is unmatched in the NDLEA’s 35-year history. He has turned the agency into a model of accountability and public service, showing that leadership still matters in governance,” said Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA National Coordinator.
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