The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), has issued a stern caution against internal sabotage in the intensified campaign against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
Marwa delivered this warning during the passing out ceremony of 2,500 cadets from Senior Officers Basic Course 16. The event, held at the NDLEA Academy in Jos Plateau State, commemorated the addition of 5,000 personnel to the NDLEA workforce.
A statement released on Thursday, November 30, 2023, by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, detailed Gen. Marwa’s emphasis on the pivotal role these new officers must assume in the agency’s ongoing overhaul to combat contemporary drug challenges.
In his address to the assembly, Marwa highlighted the intricate nature of illicit drugs over the past three decades, underscoring the gravity of the situation as outlined in the 2018 Drug Use Survey.
“Today’s passing out ceremony, coming after months of rigorous training, is one of the manifestations of the ongoing restructuring in the Agency.” He said.
The Chairman assured the new Assistant Superintendents of Narcotics that they are joining the organization at a pivotal time with ongoing reforms to combat drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
Marwa noted the significance of their role, emphasizing that there is no room for compromising professional ethics or subverting organizational goals.
“In our renewed campaign against illicit drugs, we are at a stage of ramped-up interdiction against cannabis, opioids, and other psychoactive substances.
“We cannot afford to decelerate our effort and we will not tolerate sabotage from within. What that means is that the injection of an additional 5,000 officers must have an immediate and far-reaching impact on the campaign. In other words: everyone must make their effort count.” Marwa stated.
General Marwa justified his call by referencing recent revelations from known cannabis abusers, further emphasizing the need to rid society of such dangerous substances.
He commended the NDLEA Academy’s leadership and instructors for successfully training 10,000 cadets in less than two years.
Marwa also cautioned the new officers against complacency and urged them to avoid fraternizing with offenders, stating the importance of maintaining high standards set by the agency.
The ceremony was attended by top NDLEA officers, dignitaries, and representatives from various security agencies.
