Shun Enticement, Marwa Charges 391 NDLEA Strike Force Personnel

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), General Buba Marwa (rtd), has charged 391 graduating strike force personnel of the agency to shun any enticement that conflicts with the ethics of their profession.

Addressing the personnel in Jos, Plateau State, at the weekend, Marwa, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties and Commander of the Strike Force, Ahmed Sule Ningi, said: “Here is my appeal to each of you: Shun any enticement that conflicts with the ethics 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 you might face by drug traffickers and barons.”

He charged them to be mindful that today is a milestone in their professional career in the agency, noting that the specialised training and the skills they’ve acquired will enhance their competence in the special role they will be playing for the agency in the war against illicit drugs.

He said: “It is important that I remind you that as the agency scales its operation against illicit drug 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.

“We have great expectations of the Strike Force, which was 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.”

According to Marwa, 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 number of psychotropic substances in territories that in the past were hostile and almost out of bounds for anti-narcotic officers.

He said in Ondo and Ekiti States, 255 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed across five local government areas in a seven-day operation, while 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 he said were dangerous, but the Strike Force unit provided the needed cover, repelled mob attacks, and ensured the officers and men performed their duties safely.