The newly trained personnel of Nigeria’s Anti-narcotic Agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have been charged to stand firm and reject insidious temptations that will come their way from drug barons and cartels.
The Chief Executive Officer of the agency, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa gave the charge at the passing out parade of 2,500 newly trained Narcotic Agents and Narcotic Assistants in Katsina, North West Nigeria.
Marwa, represented at the ceremony by his Special Adviser, retired Col. Yakubu Bako, reminded the new personnel that they can’t afford to compromise on their work because their efforts will directly impact the safety and well-being of their families, communities, and the country at large.
According to the NDLEA boss, “I believe that before you reported at the Academy, you must have read and heard about the good works of NDLEA officers. Today, the door is open for you to contribute your quota. NDLEA has a storied history of dedication and resilience in the face of adversity. We are in a new epoch in which we approach the fight against drug trafficking organizations with an indomitable spirit and determination to break their stranglehold on society.”
He said, in the renewed war on illicit drugs, NDLEA is employing the latest techniques, technologies, and intelligence to curb the menace.
Marwa noted that the Agency launched an Offensive Action to put traffickers and barons on the defensive, while equally promoting a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy campaign with long-term objectives of preventing drug abuse in the society.
“In the pursuit of the solemn duties of our mandate, it is vital for you to recognise and vehemently reject the insidious temptations of bribery and corruption that often accompany the drug trade.
“Drug traffickers and their cohorts, who readily use the trap of financial gain to push their nefarious objectives, would attempt to compromise the integrity of anti-narcotic law enforcement officers. Therefore, the officers and men of NDLEA must remain impervious to these temptations.”
He said, “we should be reminded at all times that the fight against drug traffickers is a noble cause rooted in the unwavering commitment to eradicate the suffering and devastation caused by the illicit drug trade.”
Corruption
Speaking on corruption and bribery, the NDLEA boss said, “such practices have no place in this mission, and you must not only resist these temptations but actively expose and report any attempts of compromise.
“Bear in mind at all times that the consequences of falling into the abyss of corruption have far-reaching implications for the society you all have sworn to protect.”
He further told the new personnel that “in rejecting corruption and upholding our commitment, we are not only defending the well-being of our nation but also preserving the moral fabric of our society and ensuring that justice prevails.”
Marwa said the agency owe a duty to this country to rid it of the drug menace and safeguard its corporate existence.
“We must bear in mind that it is our society, children, youths and indeed, our culture and future, that are under attack and in danger of being corrupted by the illicit drug culture. Hence, we need to rise in unison against this dreaded monster.”
The NDLEA boss expressed appreciation to the government and people of Katsina, the Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, the management and staff of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), management and staff of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Katsina as well as the Commandant and instructors of NDLEA Academy for their support and assistance.
The ceremony featured march past, demonstration of basic anti-narcotic operations skills and presentation of awards to outstanding cadets.
