In a bold move to counter armed drug cartels, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commenced the formal induction of AK-47 rifles and advanced pistols into its operational architecture.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), made this known during the formal inauguration of a specialised Train-the-Trainer Course on Weapon Handling (AK-47 Rifle Type 56-1 and HS-9/CF98A Pistols) at the Agency’s Academy in Jos, Plateau State, on June 29.
Speaking at the landmark event, Marwa, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Col. Murtala Aminu, noted that the development marks a critical milestone in the 36-year history of the Agency, driven by the changing dynamics of the war against drug trafficking in Nigeria.
He explained that the nature of the war against drug trafficking has evolved, stressing that drug trafficking organisations are no longer mere commercial criminal enterprises but are armed, organised, and ruthless.
“Our officers face increasing danger in the field, and it would be unconscionable for this Agency to send men and women into harm’s way without the tools and training to protect themselves and the public they serve. This programme is, therefore, not just about firearms; it is about the preservation of lives and the projection of institutional strength,” Marwa said.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to boosting the Agency’s operational capacity, describing his leadership as the driving force behind the NDLEA‘s operational successes.
Marwa also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for its timely intervention in providing the initial substantial consignment of firearms and ammunition to kick-start the training without delay.
Providing insights into the arms procurement, the NDLEA boss revealed that the process, which began in 2023 through the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), has reached its final stage.
He announced that thousands of procured arms and rounds of ammunition are scheduled for imminent delivery, with a precise distribution and accountability plan already approved. Marwa also declared that the Agency is partnering with the Nigerian Air Force to facilitate the strategic airlift of these assets to its commands nationwide.
Marwa emphasised that the ongoing course is designed to produce pioneer master trainers and that the participants were carefully selected from various commands based on merit.
According to him, these pioneer participants will return to their respective formations to lead a mandatory, comprehensive one-month training programme for all personnel before the weapons are operationally deployed.
“The weight of that responsibility should not be lost on you. You are the first. You are the standard-bearers. The operational culture, the safety ethos, and the professional discipline that will define how the NDLEA handles weapons all begin here, with you, in this academy, on this day,” he stated.
Marwa charged the participants to maintain the highest level of professionalism, saying: “First, embrace discipline as your bedrock. Weapons handling is not a privilege—it is a grave responsibility. Every firearm must be treated with the seriousness it demands at all times and in all circumstances.
“Second, internalise safety as a culture, not a checklist. Avoidable incidents are the result of complacency. The NDLEA cannot and will not tolerate negligence when it comes to the handling of arms and ammunition. We owe this standard to our colleagues and to the Nigerian public.
“Third, understand that proficiency is not just technical—it is ethical. The power that a firearm confers must always be tempered by restraint, judgement, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the rules of engagement. Our mandate is to protect lives, not to endanger them.
“Fourth, be worthy of the trust placed in you. When you stand before your colleagues as instructors, you carry with you not just technical knowledge but the authority of this institution. Teach with integrity, lead by example, and hold yourselves to the highest standards.”
Marwa expressed delight over the transformation of the NDLEA into a highly professionalised and formidable adversary to drug traffickers, reiterating that the induction of tactical weapons represents a new chapter of honour and enhanced security for the nation.
“I am proud of the extraordinary strides this Agency has made under our collective watch. In the past few years, the NDLEA has transformed into a more professional, more capable, and more feared adversary to drug criminals.
“We have recorded unprecedented seizures, dismantled criminal networks, and brought justice to traffickers who once believed themselves untouchable. The induction of additional weapons into our operational inventory is the next chapter in that story, and it is a chapter that must be written with honour,” he added.
