More worries for illicit drugs kingpins as 650 NDLEA officers graduate from Army Infantry school
By Nnamdi Okosieme
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency’s recalibrated offensive against illicit drugs peddlers received a boost on Saturday with the graduation of 600 of its officers from the Nigerian Army School of Infantry(NASI)in Jaji, Kaduna State.
While 600 operatives were exposed to weeks of specialized warfare training by officers of the Nigerian Army, 50 others had all arms drills training.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) told the graduating operatives to be mindful that the was a milestone in their career at the Agency. He said the specialised training and the skill acquired would enhance their competence in the special role they are playing for the agency in the war against illicit drugs.
“It is important that I should 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 force multiplier to the conventional NDLEA staff in the field. I have no doubt that you will measure up to the demand of the job because generations of military and paramilitary personnel have passed through this course and have distinguished themselves on the field. Moreso, the progress report I received, including 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 anti-narcotic operatives”, Gen. Marwa said.
The NDLEA boss who was represented at the occasion by Special Adviser, Col. Yakubu Bako (Rtd) reminded the operatives that the Strike Force was one of NDLEA’s tactical creations of 2021 to add strength and purpose to its drug supply reduction effort by providing cover for officers and men of NDLEA who have to work in dangerous terrains while carrying out their duties.
“The merit of having the Strike Force was evident in the month of February when on two occasions the Agency was able to successfully carry out raid, seizure and destruction of a significant amount of psychotropic substance in territories which in the past were hostile and almost out of bounds for narcotic officers.
“In Ondo State, 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 unit provided the needed cover, repelled mob attack and ensured our officers and men performed their duty safely”, NDLEA Chairman said urging them to shun any enticement that is in conflict with the ethos of their profession as anti-narcotic operatives.
He admonished them to shun anything that would compromise their discipline and dedication to duty should be avoided. He noted that as an anti-narcotic officers, they bear a huge obligation to remain incorruptible in the face of any temptation that might be sprung on them by drug traffickers and barons.
