Buba Marwa, a retired Brigadier General, and chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has done five years as his first term. Now on his second term of five years, his tenure having been renewed by President Bola Tinubu, Marwa, last week, gave account of his first five years.

Lest we forget, Marwa was first appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021. He had served as the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse from 2018 to December 2020. His appointment as Chairman of NDLEA was a seamless transition to higher ground, bigger responsibilities. It is an exposure to unimaginable dangers. Yes, the anti-narcotics job is a walk through a burning bush.

The global illicit drugs marketplace is not for the faint-hearted. Those who run the drug rings are powerful, well-connected, armed and they take no prisoners. They are cybersmart, street smart and in some cases influence who rules their country.

From the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel, ranked as one of the most powerful and globally networked gangs famed for its vast connections and fatal stunts that has kept it flourishing,  to yet another Mexican breed, the Los Zeta, famed for beheading traitors and those who dare to stop their ‘business’ and in proven instances, it extends its services to gun running and promotion of prostitution; the narcotics network is a landscape of landmines and death.

Another Mexican Mafia that goes by the moniker, La eMe, operates in the United States and they are said to be a prison gang controlling Southern California’s Hispanic street gangs, namely, the MS-13, notorious for street violence and sundry drug-induced devious acts.  It wields vast power and influence through violence and intimidation. Whichever cartel exists anywhere, their operational models are largely the same. Protect their empire and enterprise with cultic devotion; form a network of evil, and go after anyone threatening to challenge their empire or stop their illicit trade.

Unfortunately, some Nigerians have over the years clawed deeper into the global drugs ‘enterprise’. Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Thailand have become ready sources for such hard drugs. The advent of technology has also helped to sustain the drugs trade. With increasing sophistication in tech, it is now possible to hide drugs in the most unusual places. In the deck of a ship, underlay of shoes, bags and other containers including inside canned foods; after which they are smartly sealed. But the same tech has also enhanced the operational efficiency of anti-drugs operatives. These days, sniffer dogs have become better trained, some gadgets can detect illicit drugs, whether in powdery or liquid form.

Yet, even with their so-called sophistication, Marwa has been catching the narcotics crooks in Nigeria in a manner never before seen.

Last week, Marwa unveiled the report card of the NDLEA during his first five years. It was a report card dripping with excellence. NDLEA was established by the military in 1989 via Decree Number 48 of 1989. It has since drifted in and out of the radar of public trust. It was at a time the festering ground for under-hand dealings.

This piece is a fitting tribute to a man who walks the talk; a leader frugal with words but rich in envisioning a stronger and better NDLEA. In his five-year report, Marwa laid out his conviction and ideology.

The 11th Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) Awards and Commendation ceremony which held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja provided Marwa the most auspicious moment to present an account of his stewardship.

He told his own story: “When I first resumed in 2021, I promised to take the fight to the doorsteps of the merchants of death. Today, the numbers speak for themselves. Through our collective resilience, we have sent a clear message that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for illicit drug enterprise.

“It’s therefore heartwarming to note that in the last five years, we recorded significant operational successes including the arrest of 77,792 drug offenders, including 128 identified drug barons who were central to major trafficking networks. We seized a total of 14,847,486.34 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, thereby significantly disrupting both local and transnational supply chains.

“In further strengthening the criminal justice response to drug offences, the Agency successfully prosecuted and secured convictions against 14,225 offenders, reinforcing deterrence and affirming that drug crime attracts consequences.

“In line with our balanced approach, the Agency also prioritised drug demand reduction. Through structured treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation programmes, 32,442 drug users received professional intervention. Additionally, 13,735 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities were conducted across schools, motor parks, workplaces, worship centres, and communities, expanding preventive awareness and citizen engagement nationwide.”

This is simply an above and beyond performance in the history of NDLEA. A superlative display of great leadership. No NDLEA chairman in the past has recorded such landmark success. But it is no surprise that it’s Marwa doing this. Marwa has been a huge brand in leadership in Nigeria right from his days as Military Administrator of Lagos State. On the day he reeled out his achievements, he also honoured some NDLEA officers who have excelled on the job. Leadership must recognise performance and reward it. The last five years of Marwa at the helm of NDLEA represents a shift in leadership philosophy at the agency. He has achieved this without the raucous noise that defines some public office holders. The renewal of his mandate by President Bola Tinubu is a badge of honour and a seal of approval of his sterling performance. It is also a Presidential demand for more commitment and more hard work. But beyond the laudatory messages that have continued to trail his outstanding performance, Marwa needs better protection from the drug barons and their bagmen.

Drug barons are not some poor folks. They are wealthy and they can infiltrate any agency knowing that some persons can be bought with money. This is why Marwa must institute a culture of internal vigilance within the operational cadre of the NDLEA to ensure that the drug magnates do not infiltrate his camp by influencing recruitment processes and determining who gets caught and prosecuted. If drug moguls could achieve regime change in their countries of operation, there is nothing too hard for them to execute. This should guide Marwa as he sets out to drive the agency on the path of integrity and credibility for the next five years.

At the moment, one thing is certain: Marwa has established himself as a leadership brand. He has restored public confidence in the NDLEA and its operations. He deserves his flowers.