NDLEA boss urges stronger fight against drug cartels amid HQ relocation

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), has urged personnel of the agency to remain focused and relentless in the battle against drug cartels across the country.

Marwa made the call yesterday in Abuja during the relocation of the agency’s headquarters to its new facility in the Jahi area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The development marks the first phase of the NDLEA’s national headquarters project, which is set to be fully completed with provisions in the 2025 budget.

The unveiling ceremony, which included an interdenominational service held within the premises, was described by Marwa as a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the NDLEA into a modern and results-driven anti-narcotics agency, a process initiated in January 2021.

“I’m glad we have finally moved into this facility despite initial budgetary constraints. Although this is only the first phase of the project, it is sufficiently functional for us to operate. I was determined to relocate before the end of 2024 due to the agency’s expansion, which rendered the old headquarters inadequate,” he said.

Marwa noted that the new headquarters would consolidate operations by accommodating directorates that had previously operated outside Abuja, enhancing efficiency and coordination.

He added that the former head office in the Gimbiya area of Garki, Abuja, would now serve as an annex. Expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, Marwa said, “The backing we receive from President Tinubu, the National Assembly, the judiciary, and citizens motivates us to surpass past achievements. This new work environment will further inspire us to deliver on our mandate of curbing substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.”
Marwa also commended his predecessor for initiating efforts to secure a befitting headquarters for the agency and acknowledged the support of international partners and local stakeholders.

In his remarks, the Secretary of the NDLEA, Shadrach Haruna, praised Marwa’s leadership, which he said had transformed the agency over the past three years. “Since 2021, we have witnessed monumental achievements, including increasing staff strength from 5,000 to 15,000, promoting officers, clearing outstanding allowances, and amending the agency’s enabling law,” Haruna stated.The event featured Christian and Islamic prayers for Nigeria and President Tinubu, as well as the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.