Tinubu Reappoints Buba Marwa as NDLEA Chairman for Second Term

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reappointment of Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), extending his leadership of the agency for another five-year term.

Announcing the decision on Friday, the Presidency commended Marwa for his continued commitment to combating drug trafficking and drug abuse across the country. President Tinubu described the renewed appointment as a reaffirmation of trust in Marwa’s performance and dedication.

“Your reappointment is a vote of confidence in your efforts to rid our nation of the scourge of drug trafficking and substance abuse,” the President said, urging him to sustain the momentum. “I encourage you to intensify the fight against those who trade in hard drugs and seek to endanger the lives of our young people.”

Marwa first assumed office as NDLEA Chairman in January 2021 following his appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Before then, he chaired the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse between 2018 and 2020, where he helped shape national policies on reducing drug dependency and curbing illicit trafficking.

His renewed tenure means the Adamawa-born retired military officer will steer the NDLEA until 2031.

A seasoned military administrator, Marwa previously served as Military Governor of Lagos and Borno States. His extensive military career includes roles such as brigade major of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Aide-de-Camp to the Chief of Army Staff, and academic registrar at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He later represented Nigeria in various defence advisory roles in Washington, D.C., and at the United Nations.

Marwa holds advanced degrees in public administration and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University.

Since taking over the NDLEA, he has led several high-impact operations, resulting in the arrest of more than 73,000 drug traffickers—including high-profile drug barons—and the seizure of over 15 million kilogrammes of illicit substances. His administration has also intensified nationwide awareness campaigns aimed at reducing drug abuse among youths and vulnerable populations.