US-based Institute Names NDLEA Boss Marwa as Security Leader of the Year 2025

Thursday January 1, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

A United States-based security research and strategy organisation, Ogun Security Research and Strategic Consulting LLC, OSRS, has named the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), as Security Leader of the Year 2025.

The statement was signed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja.

The Texas-based institute announced the recognition in a statement published on its website on Thursday, December 25, 2025, citing Mr Marwa’s outstanding performance in operational success, institutional reform, integrity and sustained public confidence.

According to OSRS, the decision followed an independent, artificial intelligence-assisted and evidence-based assessment of Nigeria’s security environment in 2025, a year it described as particularly demanding.

“Nigeria’s security landscape in 2025 demanded more than force,” the organisation said.

“It required leadership that could deliver results while earning public trust, protecting rights and strengthening institutions.”

The institute noted that amid rising challenges such as terrorism, drug trafficking, organised crime and growing public scepticism towards state power, Marwa stood out among security chiefs.

“In a year marked by terrorism, drug trafficking, organised crime and public scepticism toward state power, one security leader stood out,” OSRS stated, adding that Marwa “emerged as the clear choice” for the award.

Explaining the criteria for the selection, the organisation said it went beyond counting arrests and seizures, instead assessing leadership across four key pillars: operational effectiveness and measurable national impact; respect for human rights and the rule of law; employee welfare, morale and internal discipline; and public perception, trust and institutional credibility.

OSRS said artificial intelligence tools were deployed to analyse open-source reports, performance data and verified records, while human experts reviewed and validated the findings to reduce bias and ensure professional judgement.

“Across all indicators, one leader consistently ranked highest,” the statement said.