NDLEA boss urges Officers To Resist Drug Traffickers’ Enticements

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Nigeria (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd), has called on the agency’s personnel to reject any enticement that goes against the principles of their role as anti-narcotics operatives.

he gave the charge on Saturday in Jos, Plateau state capital, during the graduation ceremony of members of the Strike Force elite corps of the agency.

Marwa, who was represented by the Director, Special Duties/Commander, Strike Force, Deputy Commander General of Narcotics, Ahmed Ningi asked them to remain incorruptible in the face of any temptation that might be sprung on them by drug traffickers and barons.

“Shun any enticement that conflicts with the ethos of your profession as an anti-narcotic operative. Anything that would compromise your discipline and dedication to duty should be avoided. As an anti-narcotic officer, you bear a huge obligation.

“To the Strike Force operatives, I want you to be mindful that today is a milestone in your professional career in the Agency. This specialised training and the skills acquired therefrom will undoubtedly enhance your competence in the special role you will be playing for the Agency in the war against illicit drugs. I must remind you that as the Agency scales its operation against illicit drug trafficking, your service will become increasingly essential to the successful attainment of our organisational goals. The special nature of your training requires that you serve as a force multiplier for the conventional NDLEA staff in the field,” Marwa said

He urged the graduands not to rest on their oars, as the agency has great expectations of the Force.

“The Strike Force adds strength and purpose to our drug supply reduction effort by reinforcing officers and men of NDLEA who have to work in dangerous terrain while carrying out their duties. The merit of having the Strike Force was evident in February 2023 when, on two occasions, the Agency was able to successfully carry out raids, seizures, and destruction of a significant amount of psychotropic substances in territories that in the past were hostile and almost out of bounds for anti-narcotic officers.

“In Ondo and Ekiti States, for instance, 255 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed across five local government areas in a seven-day operation. Similarly, in Lagos State, a notorious drug den in Patey, Lagos Island, was successfully raided in broad daylight, with over 5,000kg of cannabis and other assorted drugs seized, along with the arrest of the drug kingpin and six other suspects. Both operations were dangerous, but the Strike Force provided the needed cover, repelled mob attacks, and ensured our officers and men performed their duties safely,” he highlighted.

The NDLEA boss said the success of the course could not have been possible without the commitment of the training facilitators and the NDLEA team of instructors.
Marwa thanked the management and team of the Citizenship and Leadership Centre for providing the atmosphere for obstacle crossing and other challenging aspects of the training.

While speaking, the Commandant of the NDLEA Academy, Jos, Hamza Umar commended the leadership of the agency for exposing officers and men of the agency to continuous training at home and abroad.

He asked the 392 graduands not to take the privilege for granted.