Insecurity: Tackle Drug Barons, Cartels, Marwa Charges NDLEA Commanders

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has declared an all-round war against drug barons, instructing all commanders of the agency at different levels to go all out and smoke out those still in hiding.
He also ordered the dismantling of all drug cartels as part of ongoing efforts to totally cut off drug supply which he insisted would drastically reduce growing insecurity and criminalities in the country.

Marwa gave the charge in his meeting with directors and all commanding officers of the agency at the national headquarters of the NDLEA in Abuja, where he commended them for the unprecedented successes achieved so far and tasked them not to rest on their oars.

He said no effort must be spared to remove illicit drug equation from the security challenges facing the country.
“Within the limit of our resources, we have been able to push boundaries. The statistics of our operations, empirical facts from the field, the general anti-illicit drug climate we have built and the rapport between us and our domestic and international partners, all speak volumes about how we are faring, especially against the backdrop of where we are coming from, of what the situation used to be a few years ago.

“Commendations apart, we also cannot afford not to tell ourselves the plain truth; we still have a long way to go. Hence commanders, officers and men of NDLEA can’t afford to rest on their oars.

“Yes, we have kept the flag of performance flying, but there’s still room for improvement. There is still much to do. And we cannot afford to be complacent now as we have committed to a lot of ongoing efforts to improve our operational capabilities,” he stated.

Marwa said the agency was constantly engaging stakeholders within and outside the country to support and help optimise its capabilities.
To achieve its mandate, Marwa said the NDLEA needed to remind itself that professionalism and discipline must be maintained at all times and in all  operations.
“We’re working with relevant authorities for improved funding so that we can comprehensively and holistically play our role  as part and parcel of the solution to the security challenges facing the nation.

“If we are able to totally cut the access to and availability of drugs to the criminals, we would have effectively tampered with their nefarious activities and so we’re going to plead for enhanced funding to do more things in support of the fight against insecurity,” he said

He charged the commanders to always ensure that the corporate integrity of the agency is always protected in all they do.
While assuring that he remains committed to staff welfare, including conducive work environment, allowances, remuneration and entitlements, and the basic welfare package, he asked the commanders to replicate such in their various commands.

He however warned that Commanders will have to justify their retention in command positions with their performances.