Drug war: Arewa Think Tank hails Marwa’s reappointment

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

The Arewa Think Tank (ATT), a leading non-partisan policy forum dedicated to security and development in Northern Nigeria and the nation at large, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the strategic reappointment of Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.) as chairman and chief executive officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

A statement issued at the weekend by the convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, described the reappointment as a masterstroke that ensures continuity, stability, and the consolidation of the historic gains achieved under Marwa’s leadership.

The group asserted that this decisive move signals the President’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s youth and national security from the scourge of narcotics.

“By reappointing Brigadier-General Marwa, President Tinubu has demonstrated a clear-eyed, strategic focus on winning the war against drug abuse and trafficking.

“This is not merely a renewal of tenure; it is a powerful endorsement of a proven blueprint for success. The President has sent an unequivocal message that the remarkable momentum at the NDLEA will not be halted, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and securing our nation’s future.” Yakubu said.

Marwa, first appointed in January 2021, is widely credited with the unprecedented revitalization of the NDLEA, transforming it into a proactive, intelligence-driven, and results-oriented institution.

Under his first term, the Agency recorded landmark achievements, including the arrest of over 73,000 suspects, including high-profile drug barons, and the seizure of more than 15 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances.

This robust enforcement was matched by a significant surge in successful prosecutions and the launch of aggressive, nationwide awareness campaigns targeting educational institutions and communities to curb demand and foster a culture of prevention.

“The Arewa Think Tank is particularly gratified that President Tinubu has chosen to consolidate these gains. General Marwa’s reappointment is a vote of confidence in his onerous efforts and a directive to press harder. We urge him to remain relentless in dismantling the syndicates of death that seek to destroy our youth. The fight is far from over, but with this sustained leadership, victory is inevitable.” Yakubu said.

The ATT’s statement emphasized that Marwa’s reappointment, which extends his tenure to 2031, comes at a critical juncture as the NDLEA intensifies its operations against both domestic drug cartels and international trafficking networks.

The group expressed confidence that the Agency under Marwa’s continued leadership will further deepen its impact, fostering a safer, healthier, and more secure Nigeria.