The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), has issued a strong warning against internal sabotage in the intensified battle against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
Marwa made this address during the passing out ceremony of 2,500 cadets from Senior Officers Basic Course 16.
The ceremony, held at the NDLEA Academy in Jos Plateau State, marked the completion of the addition of 5,000 personnel to the NDLEA workforce.
In a statement signed on Thursday, 30th November 2023, by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Gen. Marwa emphasized the crucial role these new officers must play in the ongoing restructuring of the agency to counter contemporary drug problems.
Addressing the gathering, Marwa stated the complex nature of illicit drugs over the past 30 years, emphasizing the dire situation 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.
