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Tag: Gen. Buba Marwa

Nigerian drug users more than population of four African countries – Marwa
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd) has disclosed that his agency seized over N420 billion worth of illicit drugs since 2021.
Marwa, during a budget defence session on Thursday, November 3, 2022, said the agency arrested over 19,000 persons and has secured the conviction of 3,111 persons for different drug-related charges.
He also informed the members of the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotics that the total drug seized is over five million kilograms.
While lamenting the high prevalence of drug consumption in Nigeria, he disclosed: “14.3 million Nigerians are abusing drugs. This is equal to the population of Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Gambia and Liberia combined.”
The House Committee backed the plan by NDLEA to splash N13 billion on the construction of barracks to accommodate its officers.
Dr Francis Otta-Agbo, the Chairman of the Committee, said the dangers of their work require that narcotic officers live in barracks to ensure their safety.
November 3, 2022
NDLEA arrested some Politicians in Possession of Illicit Drugs – Marwa
Buba Marwa, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says officers of the agency arrested some politicians in possession of illicit drugs.
Marwa said this on Sunday when he featured on Channels Television’s ‘Hard Copy’.
The chairman said he was “somewhat disappointed” that the drive to have public officers undergo drug-tests before they assume office did not go through.
“But the idea is not original. We are promoting what is going on already in Kano state. In kano state, all politicians under the governor’s party, aspiring for an office, must first demonstrate in the screening process that they are drug negative and I’m in full support of that,” he said.
“We have arrested politicians who either are holding political office or have retired. Recently one of them was jailed in Lagos, he was trying to smuggle 1kg, maybe to use it to run for office.
“As you know, the cartels also participate in political institutions, they actually fund candidates into the various levels so that the correct laws (that favour them) are enacted.”
Speaking on the rehabilitation of drug users, the NDLEA chief said there is a dearth of rehab centres “and there are thousands if not millions of drug users who need help but there’s no where to go. And so they snuck back into their bedrooms and continue to take drugs”.
“Right now we have just 11 model rehab centres in the country which is very low. The Presidential Advisory Committee on Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA) recommended that there should be about three centres per state looking at the prevalence and the federal government already through the ministry of health, has agreed to build one more rehab centre in every state,” he said.
June 27, 2022
Marwa Seeks ‘Integrity Test’ In All Universities To Combat Drug Abuse
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) has asked all tertiary institutions in Nigeria to make drug integrity tests an institutional policy for both new and returning students as part of efforts to fight the menace of drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
Gen. Marwa who made the call at the University of Abuja while launching the ‘drug-free university campaign’ on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, also called for a partnership between the NDLEA and the university system that will allow the agency set up outposts on campuses to further strengthen the authorities in fighting the scourge.
According to him, “part of the measures to reduce drug use in the university is the proposed introduction of the Drug Integrity Test for both new and returning students.
“The Drug Integrity Test is anticipated to metamorphose into an anti-drug policy for all higher institutions of learning in Nigeria. It is expected that the University of Abuja, being the “University of National Unity”, will be the first public university in Nigeria to adopt the Drug Integrity Test for fresh and returning students of the institution”.
Marwa added that “the Drug Integrity Test is not a punitive measure; rather it is an early detection tool to ascertain an individual’s drug use status for appropriate intervention, and timely treatment and care.
“This will also entail that the university will develop a drug policy and make such available to each student. Equally important is the need to create an NDLEA outpost on the campus where we’ll deploy our men to assist the authorities, deter drug dealers and users within the university.”
While commending the management of the University of Abuja for collaborating with NDLEA to organise the launch, he said “the theme, ‘Drug-Free University and Tertiary Institutions,’ is apt and timely as there is no better time than now to combat the drug challenge in the university community and among students.
He said the menace of drug use in the country is of worrisome dimension, especially among the youth population.
“The truth on the ground indicates that our society needs to do more. The National Drug Use and Health Survey of 2018 showed that Nigeria has a peculiar drug use prevalence. And it is instructive and worrisome to know that drug use was common among those aged 25-39 years, while the age of initiation was 22 years for heroin and 19 years for cannabis.
“Note that these age groups comprised of young people who are either in secondary or tertiary institutions or are on the cusp of graduation. To simplify the report of the survey: young people are overwhelmingly the majority of drug abusers in Nigeria. That is a jolting reality because youths are the building blocks of every developed nation and anything that affects the youth population affects the nation.
“The youth population constitutes the country’s workforce and the stronger the youth of a country, the more developed that country would be. One, then, wonders what will become of Nigeria with about 70% youth population, if the future of its youths is ravaged by drugs.
“To aggressively reverse the trend, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, GCFR, launched the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign on 26th June 2021 to commemorate the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.
“The goal of WADA is to mobilize all Nigerians, especially the youth population, for active participation in the process of ridding our society of the drug menace. As one of the worst-hit age groups by the drug menace, Nigerian youths are critical stakeholders to the attainment of the laudable goals of WADA.
“Since the launch of WADA, the Agency has initiated evidence-based prevention activities, which include focused advocacy, drug awareness campaign, sensitization, treatment and care of People Who Use Drugs (PWUD). We have launched a renewed campaign and intensive sensitization, targeting youths in schools at all levels as well as youths out of school,” he stated.
The NDLEA also asserted that “some years ago, the Agency opted to address the drug problem among youths by setting up in schools the Drug-Free Clubs. The pervasiveness and magnitude of the drug use problem has necessitated the change in the name of the club from Drug-Free Club to War Against Drug Abuse Club―WADA Club for short―to inject a renewed vibe and vigour into the club and its members.”
He said the essence of the event was to officially launch the WADA Club in the University of Abuja and to formally inaugurate the War Against Drug Abuse Ambassadors (WADA Ambassadors) among the staff of the institution.
Marwa charged the students in the spirit of true patriotism to desire and work towards a country devoid of drugs and its attendant consequences.
Others who spoke at the ceremony included representatives of the Minister of Education, National Universities Commission, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah.
They commended the collaboration between NDLEA and the university as part of renewed efforts to stamp out the problem of drug abuse in the country.
February 10, 2022
NDLEA Poised To Increase Risk Of Drug Trafficking In Nigeria – Marwa
The Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa has reiterated the agency’s commitment to increase the risk burden of trafficking in drugs and psychotropic substances in Nigeria.
Marwa gave the assurance on Wednesday at the handing over ceremony of a provisional detention facility equipped by the UK Border Force to the NDLEA.
Gen. Marwa, who was represented at the occasion by the Agency Secretary, Mr. Shadrach Haruna, noted that the drug war is daily receiving a boost especially with the recent launch of the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2021-2025), which was funded by the European Union under the supervision of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The NDLEA boss said: “The resources committed to the project clearly demonstrates the commitment of the United Kingdom to fostering international cooperation to fight the enduring problem of drug trafficking in Nigeria”.
He thanked the UK Border Force – which has been rendering assistance to the Agency in the areas of training, mentoring, provision of detection technology, and other key infrastructure – for the facility and promised that the agency will make judicious use of it.
The UK Border Force regional operations manager, (West Africa), Mr. Christopher Hawksfield, who was represented by Ms. Marie Maxwell, assured that the UK government will continue to partner with Nigeria in the fight against illicit drug trafficking across the globe.
He noted that the facility would improve the efficiency of officers and men of NDLEA at the airport and the well-being of suspects before they are charged to court.
Among the facilities handed over are a targeting office, an exhibit room, a legal seat, two temporary detention facilities for males and females, computer sets, and office equipment.
The Commander, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Command of NDLEA, Kabiru Sani Tsakuwa thanked the UK government and the NDLEA management for their support in making the commands work easier.
Present at the occasion were the NDLEA Director of Airport Operations, Mrs. Joyce Titus Awogbuyi; Coordinator, International Affairs, Mrs. Kennechi Nnoruka, representatives from Nigerian Customs Service, Immigration, DSS, and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN.
December 10, 2021
No N4.5bn Padded Into Our 2022 Budget, Says NDLEA
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has dismissed reports that N4.5 billion was padded into its proposed 2022 budget.
In a statement on Wednesday by its Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the agency said it has been bombarded with calls and messages since Tuesday, seeking clarification on an alleged insertion of N4.5billion for the construction of police barracks into its proposed budget being considered by the Senate.
“This statement is, therefore, a formal response and clarification of reports that suggest that the agency’s budget proposal submitted by the Federal Ministry of Finance was padded with N4.5billion for construction of police barracks.
“It is public knowledge that President Muhamadu Buhari magnanimously approved the construction of barracks for NDLEA over a period of four years starting from the 2022 fiscal year,” the statement read in part.
The NDLEA’s comments come a day after the Senate rejected the report of its Committee on Drugs and Narcotics when it uncovered the document that “illegally contained” N4.5 billion said to be for the construction of Police barracks.
The agency, however, clarified that investigations have confirmed that the amount in question is indeed for the construction of NDLEA barracks but typographically inputted as ‘police barracks’ in one of the documents attached to the proposal from the Budget Office.
Babafemi said the typo error has since been corrected and the budget cleared by the Senate Committee.
November 24, 2021
Ndlea Chairman Visits Governor Lalong, Decries Ravaging Effects Of Drugs
The Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Gen. Buba Marwa, rtd. has visited Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House Rayfield Jos where he lamented the ravaging effects of drug abuse on the society particularly violent crimes.

Marwa who was on a courtesy visit to the Governor as part of his working visit to Plateau State said the menace of drug abuse is a nationwide problem which has fuelled violent crimes and insecurity in many parts of Nigeria including Plateau State.

He said the NDLEA has worked out strategies for not only stopping the acquisition and distribution of narcotic substances, but also engaged in massive education and enlightenment to get the entire society on board to fight the menace which is touching every segment of the society.

Marwa said it was for this reason that the agency has not only stopped at seizure, arrest and prosecution of drug traffickers, but also recommended compulsory tests for public office holders, intending couples and others in order to facilitate the rehabilitation and management of those who are already using drugs.

He commended Governor Simon Lalong for his efforts in assisting the NDLEA Training Academy Jos and Plateau State Command with logistics, infrastructure and collaboration in discharge of their duties. He appealed for an allocation of land to enable the agency build its barracks which was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2022 budget.

Responding, Governor Lalong said he was excited to recieve Gen. Marwa whose pedigree for performance is widely known during his glorious military career.

He said the NDLEA has done a lot in Nigeria and in particular Plateau State by arresting drug kingpins who at one time thought they were untouchable. This he said reduced the rate of violent crimes in the State.

Lalong however appealed to the NDLEA Chairman to intensify efforts in helping the State avoid being used as a transit State for narcotics as well as handle the rehabilitation of those already affected.

He pledged to complete the construction of the rehabilitation centre currently under construction as well as continue to offer more support to the agency when needed.

Gen. Marwa is in Plateau State for the passing out of newly trained officers among other activities.

November 17, 2021