The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), has reiterated his commitment on the fight against the abuse and trafficking of illicit substances.
Marwa, also warned NDLEA officers against fraternising with offenders of drug trafficking laws, adding that there will be no room for internal sabotage in the renewed war against illicit drugs.
The NDLEA boss, gave the warning at the passing out ceremony of 2,500 cadets of Senior Officers Basic Course 16 on Thursday November 30th, 2023 at the NDLEA Academy, Jos, Plateau State.
Marwa, who was represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Victoria Egbase, said; “Within that 30years, the world of illicit drugs had become complex and more devastating to society, and the dynamics of the Nigerian drug situation had become more dire. That was why the 2018 Drug Use Survey jolted Nigeria and sounded the alarm bell on the inevitability of arresting the situation.”
“Hence, some 35 months ago, in January 2021, NDLEA was handed a lifeline to rejig its structure and improve its systems to counter contemporary drug problems.”
“Today’s passing out ceremony, coming after months of rigorous training, is one of the manifestations of the ongoing restructuring in the Agency.”
“Having another batch of 5,000 officers to strengthen our workforce will assuredly give the needed impetus to the fight against the abuse and trafficking of illicit substances.”
“In the tradition of our noble organisation and according to global best practices, this batch of officers has been trained to be efficient drug law enforcement agents.”
“They have spent the past four months in training, where they have learnt the intricacies of drug law enforcement and know that their job demands sacrifice, loyalty, and discipline. I have no doubt that they are aware of their position as an important cog in the law and order system of society.”
“I assure you that you are coming into this organisation at an interesting time when reforms are being implemented and plans have been laid for the next phase of action to curb drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.”
“I must prepare your minds for the task ahead of you. The duties are such that there is no room for compromising the ethics of your profession or subverting the goals of the organisation.”
“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.”
“We have seen the truth come back full circle in the past few weeks, whereby some of the world’s known abusers of cannabis have come out to tell the public they are either quitting or have been diagnosed with some ailment.”
“These include notably emphysema, which puts them at risk of early death and mental harm. That should further add impetus to our collective effort to rid our society of the menace of cannabis and other such dangerous substances.”
“For us in NDLEA, we hold our duty sacrosanct, and our duty is to do everything within the ambit of the law to cleanse our society of the menace of illicit substances”.
“We have shifted gears to become proactive by creating a number of goal-oriented programmes and efficient mechanisms, such as Offensive Action and War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy.”
“We are currently on the verge of expanding our presence to all 774 local government areas in the country.”
“What that should tell our new officers is that there is work to do, and you cannot afford to be complacent or compromise the high standards we have set.”
“On that note, let me also inform you that you must not fraternise with offenders of drug trafficking laws.”
“Doing so is dangerous to your safety; it is catastrophic to your career; it sabotages organisational goals; and it is inimical to society’s wellbeing.”
“Remembering this nugget of advice and abiding by it will ensure you a colourful and gratifying career.”
“I am proud to say that in less than two years, they have shown their mettle and successfully trained 10,000 cadets. This is historic for NDLEA.”
