The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has hailed Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) for what it described as a record-breaking and transformative tenure as Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In a review of the agency’s leadership since its establishment in 1989, HURIWA said Marwa’s administration has outperformed all previous ones in arrests, convictions, institutional reforms, and public trust, marking a new era in Nigeria’s war against drug abuse and trafficking.
According to the association, Marwa’s appointment in January 2021 “ushered in a decisive turnaround” for the NDLEA, with over 73,000 arrests, 12,000 convictions, and the seizure of more than 15 million kilograms of illicit drugs within four years surpassing the combined record of several past chairmen.
In 2024 alone, the NDLEA arrested 17,670 suspected traffickers, seized 2.7 million kilograms of narcotics, and rehabilitated over 8,000 drug users through its demand-reduction programmes. The agency also intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting over 3,000 sensitisation outreaches that reached approximately 1.8 million Nigerians.
HURIWA’s review traced the NDLEA’s trajectory from its inception under Fidelis Oyakhilome in 1989 through various leadership eras, including Fulani Kwajafa, Musa Bamaiyi, Bello Lafiaji, and Ahmadu Giade. While it acknowledged contributions from past leaders, it noted that Marwa’s administration “combines operational excellence with integrity and transparency,” adding that no corruption scandal has tainted his tenure.
“The NDLEA under Marwa has demonstrated what strong, accountable leadership can achieve when backed by institutional vision,” the statement read. “His record-breaking performance has redefined Nigeria’s anti-narcotics campaign and restored public trust in an agency once plagued by low morale and weak enforcement.”
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, commended Marwa for “repositioning the NDLEA into one of Nigeria’s most credible and results-driven security institutions.” He urged other government agencies to emulate the NDLEA’s model of discipline and professionalism.
“What Marwa has achieved in less than five years is unmatched in the NDLEA’s 35-year history,” Onwubiko stated. “He has turned the agency into a model of accountability and public service, showing that leadership still matters in governance.”
The rights group also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment that has allowed the NDLEA to execute one of the most formidable counter-narcotics campaigns in Nigeria’s history.
HURIWA urged the Federal Government to sustain the momentum through improved funding, welfare for operatives, and support for community-based initiatives aimed at reducing drug dependency and related crimes.