Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has tasked the latest graduands of the agency to shun every enticements that do not support the ethos of the profession.
The agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi made this known in a statement as Gen. Marwa gave the charge during the graduation ceremony of members of the Strike Force elite corps in the enforcement agency on Saturday.
Gen. Marwa, who was represented by the Director, Special Duties/Commander, Strike Force, Deputy Commander General of Narcotics, DCGN Ahmed Ningi tasked the officers to be of good conduct in discharging their duties.
His words: “Here is my appeal to each of you. 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 remain incorruptible in the face of any temptation that might be sprung on you by drug traffickers and barons.”
The NDLEA boss encouraged the Strike Force operatives to be mindful that today is a milestone in their professional career in the Agency.
He stressed that the specialised training and the skills acquired will undoubtedly enhance their competence in the special role they will be playing for the Agency in the war against illicit drugs.
Gen. Marwa added: “It is important that I remind you that as the Agency scales its operation against illicit drugs 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.
“Moreover, the progress report I received, including the on-the-spot assessment, confirmed that the objective of the course has been achieved. Therefore, as you graduate today, I urge you not to rest on your oars, as your competence will be tested from time to time by challenges that will recur in your career as an anti-narcotic operative.
“It is gratifying to note that you have been exposed to classroom and outdoor exercises in line with the current challenges. You are, therefore, urged to consolidate the knowledge gained and apply it judiciously in your various commands. Generally, I am hopeful that the benefits of the course will reflect positively on your performance in the field.”
He also highlighted the importance of the elite corps in the agency, explaining that it requires working in delicate territories.
“We have great expectations of the Strike Force, one of NDLEA’s tactical creations in 2021. 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.”
The NDLEA Chairman further stated: “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 lauded the facilitators/trainers and the team of NDLEA instructors saying that their workshop will not possible without their efforts and commitment.
“We wish to thank the management and team of the Citizenship and Leadership Centre for providing the atmosphere for obstacle crossing and other challenging aspects of the training. I say thank you for your efforts and sacrifices towards the successful completion of the course.”
Meanwhile, the Commandant of the NDLEA Academy in Jos, DCGN Hamza Umar in his remarks commended the leadership of the agency for exposing officers of the agency to continuous training home and abroad.
He also asked the graduands not to take the privilege of what they have learnt for granted.
