The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEEA), Brig-Gen. Mohammed Marwa (rtd), has warned drug barons, traffickers, and their cartels to quit the criminal trade or face tougher times during his second tenure.

Marwa, who was reappointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for another five-year term on Friday, told jubilant management staff, officers, men, and women of the Agency who gathered to welcome him at its National Headquarters in Abuja that his second tenure “will be hell and bleak” for anyone who refuses to abandon the illicit drug trade.

According to the spokesman of the Agency, Mr. Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Saturday, Marwa expressed appreciation to the President for recognizing the ongoing efforts against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

“First of all, what a surprise. I did not expect to come back from Juma’at service to meet these great felicitations—dancing and singing by our personnel.

“Thank you very much. We thank the Almighty God because all glory must go to Him for everything.

“We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for the special recognition of our collective efforts and the new mandate for us to continue the war against drug abuse and trafficking. I thank the management, officers, men, and women of the Agency who continue to serve the nation 24/7 despite the risks you all face,” he stated.

He also acknowledged 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, while expressing appreciation to “all our local and international partners with whom we continue to collaborate towards ridding Nigeria of illicit substances.”

Addressing drug cartels directly, Marwa said: “First, this word must go to the cartels: the cartels have not seen anything yet. I promise them this second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass—in, out, or within Nigeria.”

He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to President Tinubu’s mandate, assuring that, “In line with our Act, we will continue to do our level best. I remember in my inaugural speech, the day I took over, I said very clearly that the NDLEA will be feared by the drug cartels. And that’s just the beginning.

“At the same time, I must appeal to those who are engaged in illicit drug trafficking that this is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate. It is in line with this that we established the Alternative Development Unit, which seeks to persuade those perpetrating illicit drug activities—particularly cannabis growers, who are our greatest challenge in Nigeria—to desist from the trade and collaborate with us.

“We are going to support the licit cultivation of legitimate crops that allow you to sleep with both eyes closed. But those who refuse to do that can be sure that the NDLEA is up and able in its law enforcement duties.

“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,” he warned, while assuring that the Agency will remain committed to its drug demand reduction efforts.

“I’ll take the opportunity again to announce the rededication of our efforts towards prevention, sensitization, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of our children in our 30 rehabilitation centres.

“With the support of the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda, seven more rehab centres are coming up under the 2025 budget, which will ensure that every state has its own rehab centre.

“There will also be zonal rehab centres, and we are receiving full collaboration from the Minister of Health.

“We appreciate his efforts, as well as those of the Minister of Education, who has accepted our recommendation for drug tests for students on admission into tertiary institutions so that we can catch them young before addiction sets in.” (Tribune)