INTRODUCTION:
On the 17th of November, 2025, Muhammad Tukur Ahmad was appointed the Commander of MMIA STRATEGIC COMMAND of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Rtd. Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa. Behind the warm, gentle and welcoming personality, is a brilliant man with a brilliant mind who has gradually but consistently grown through the ranks within the Agency. The Sokoto born Commander, started out as the Principal Staff Officer in charge of Operations and Investigation, later Head of Operations in charge of Passenger Terminal 1 & 2, prior to his present appointment. On closer interaction, one discovers an individual who simply comes across as square peg in a square hole due to the knowledge he displays. He exudes confidence in the conduct of his duties part of which he credits to the inspirational support and leadership of Marwa.
Relax and enjoy this very interesting interview with our UPRIGHT PERSONALITY of the month.
excerpts below:
Upright: As a mark of protocol sir, can we meet you.
Thank you. I am Muhammad Tukur Ahmad, by the Grace of God the Current commander of MMIA STRATEGIC COMMAND. I am from Sokoto State. I started here as the Principal Staff Officer (PSO), in charge of Operations and Investigation then got elevated to the position of Head of Operations, in charge of MMIA passenger Terminals 1 and 2. Finally appointed as the Commander, MMIA Strategic Command on 17th November, 2025 by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, General Mohammad Buba Marwa.
Upright: What Informed your choice of enlisting with the NDLEA? Was it because there was no other option or that you like what the Agency stands for in nation building and development?
I would say it is just fate. I am someone who believes in fate. After successful completion of my NYSC, I got an opportunity to join the Nigeria Customs Service. ii. I also had another opportunity to work with the Sokoto State Agricultural Development Project, as a scientific Research officer. iii. I also got opportunity to join the services of NDLEA almost at the same time. But I finally opted for NDLEA.
Upright: What Strikes you about NDLEA?
Our unique way of enforcement, the dedication of officers even in the face of inherent danger. You can’t imagine the efforts our officers put up to dismantle drug syndicates to the detriment of their lives. I am even more thrilled to do the job now more than when I joined because the present Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, General Mohammad Buba Marwa Retd CON OFR has made it more rewarding and interesting by providing responsive leadership and ensuring officers welfare.
Upright: Despite the efforts of your agency, under the Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), to rid- off the society the menace of drugs and other related substances, the problem still persists, what can you say is the attraction?
The attraction has always been the desire to get rich quick on the part of the traffickers and their sponsors, as well as a combination of peer pressure and ignorance on the part of the users. Those merchants of death out there do not care about the level of human destruction orchestrated by their illegal business. All they want is money and those hooked to drugs got there out of ignorance and can no longer quit due to addiction. We must continue to work hard to save our children from the harm of substance abuse. We are grateful to the CCEO for his strategic approach to the war against drug Abuse (WADA) which was launched by the former late president Muhammad Buhari. He is tackling the monster from all fronts. You must be aware of the Alternative Development Approach recently adopted to address the huge cultivation of Cannabis across the country. The efforts of the CCEO is actually yielding results. It is tackling the scourge. What we see is the effect of pressure on drug traffickers. I do not think that the huge seizures and arrests we are making is an indication of proliferation of drugs but a result of intensified efforts leading to more discoveries of warehouses, farms, Laboratories etc., which have existed before now. You will agree with me that the drugs you see now would have been in circulation if not smoked out of hidden places. It is equally an indication of improved collaboration with our foreign partners who no longer hesitate to share intelligence with us. It is an indication of trust and effective intelligence sharing capabilities of the Agency with our local as well as foreign collaborators.
Upright: Can you share with us sir, what your command is doing to ensure that MMIA is not a transit point?
A transit point? It is already a transit point but we are very meticulous about our interdiction strategies and that has accounted for the number of arrests and seizures we have recorded, both inbound and outbound. We have redoubled our efforts, improved on inter-Agency synergy and cooperation. We will continue to improve on our achievements and cover every loophole. We recently beefed-up our operations at the cargo sheds as well as the passenger terminals to ensure a more thorough interdiction strategy. There are lots of dynamic “on Spot” initiatives aimed at taking the perpetrators by surprise. These initiatives have yielded results and we are happy about that. For example, from December 2025 when I assumed duty to date, we have been able to seize 4,187.39kg of assorted drugs.
Upright: MMIA is a major gateway, and we are aware that often times those into this illicit (drug), business pass through the area. What are you doing differently to ensure that, this command is a dangerous zone for drug peddlers?
We are very much aware of the strategic location of MMIA. We have remained articulate and deliberate about our activities here. The nature and location of MMIA demands effectiveness in drug control processes. We are doing everything possible to ensure that no illicit drug passes both the local and international terminals. Our officers have undergone several trainings in Targeting and Intelligence gathering. Because of our capacity, we actually train some Drug Enforcement officers within Africa. With our robust international enforcement networks and effective collaboration with stakeholders and partners, we are well equipped to handle the dynamics of drug trafficking. Remember, I earlier told you that we carry out spot initiatives that have yielded results. Traffickers already know that MMIA is a no-go area for them but because of monetary benefits, they still give it a try and get caught. We have made very spectacular arrests here. Drugs have been seized in unimaginable modes of concealment. We will continue to improve for better performance.
Upright: What can you say specifically is driving your command in the fight against drugs in our society?
This Command’s doggedness and commitment to effective drug control is driven by trust, love for country’s image and reputation as well as the need to ensure public health and safety. The renewed onslaught against drug traffickers is orchestrated by the efforts of the current CCEO towards ensuring adequate welfare of officers. General Marwa has re- engineered our enforcement capabilities and made officer’s lives more meaningful by his transformative leadership. We have no option but to reciprocate such a gesture. When morale is high, officers put in their best.
Upright: In comparison to where you are coming from, what do you find very challenging here at MMIA Command?
One huge challenge is the ongoing rebranding and reconstruction of the international terminal. It has limited our space for interdiction. So, we have to grapple with the volume of passengers coming in and out of the country. Notwithstanding those limitations, our men have been up and doing and we are beating the bad guys in their own game. We are confident that after the construction work going on at the terminal, we will be relieved of some of those challenges. Again, the limited space in question has necessitated the reduction in Manpower at the Departure and Arrival Halls, so we have fewer officers per time.
Upright: Would you say Nigeria is winning the war against drugs trafficking and to what extent?
You are aware that before the current CCEO took over leadership, NDLEA was rarely in the news but now there is no day you don’t hear about NDLEA. It is so because there is always one breakthrough or the other to report. And again, an average Nigerian family has been sensitized on dangers of drug abuse. This is made possible because a robust enlightenment and Sensitization machinery was put in place by the CCEO. The CCEO has equally tackled the process of rehabilitation and re integration of substance dependent persons. You can now seat in the comfort of your home and access free counseling services. Then there is the WADA initiative of the CCEO. This is a platform that serves as an Advocacy tool to encourage stakeholder- participation in the war against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The CCEO knowing that for you to discourage production of illicit drugs, an alternative means of livelihood needs to be provided. Therefore, he established the Alternative Development Approach in our anti- drug campaign. This is an approach that encourages alternative businesses to drug cultivation. The pilot project has successfully commenced in Ondo State.
Upright: What message do you have for traffickers, including those that connive with them to smear the image of the agency?
My message is simple. They should quit this dangerous trade and do something meaningful for their lives. NDLEA will definitely get you one day, prosecute you and get all your assets forfeited.
Upright: What message do you have for your officers and men who are on the frontline, in fighting this war?
They should continue to be resilient. We are lucky to have a man who rewards hard work. They will surely be rewarded.
Upright: Sir, thank you for your time and congratulations for all the wonderful achievements you have recorded.
Thank you so much for this opportunity.
