President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reappointed Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for a second five-year term, reinforcing confidence in his leadership of the agency.
The announcement was made in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. President Tinubu commended Marwa’s dedication to combating drug trafficking and abuse, urging him to continue pursuing those who endanger the country’s youth through illicit drugs.
Marwa first assumed leadership of the NDLEA in January 2021, appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari. He had previously chaired the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse from 2018 to 2020. His reappointment secures his leadership until 2031.
A native of Adamawa State, Marwa brings extensive experience from both military and public service. He served as military governor of Lagos and Borno States, and is a graduate of the Nigerian Military School and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1973, he held key military positions including brigade major of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Aide-de-Camp to the Chief of Army Staff, and academic registrar at the NDA.
Marwa’s international experience includes representing Nigeria as Deputy Defence Adviser in Washington, DC, and later as Defence Adviser to Nigeria’s Permanent Mission at the United Nations. He also holds two postgraduate degrees: a Master’s in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh (1983–1985) and a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University (1985–1986).
During his tenure at the NDLEA, Marwa has overseen major operations, resulting in the arrest of over 73,000 drug traffickers and the seizure of more than 15 million kilograms of illicit drugs. He has also led extensive nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about drug abuse and promote preventive measures.
With this renewed mandate, Marwa is set to continue guiding the NDLEA in its mission to protect Nigerians from the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse, combining enforcement with public education and preventive initiatives.