The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), has scaled up its operations with preparedness to increase the tempo of the war against drug cartels in Nigeria.
The agency said on Saturday, in a statement by the Director, Media & Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Mr. Femi Babafemi, that the agency deployed additional six hundred and fifty (650) operatives of its Strike Force Unit to provide increase the capacity of the agency’s response to the nefarious activities of the drug cartels.
The new operatives graduated from the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, Kaduna State after weeks of rigorous specialized training.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) told the graduating Strike Force operatives “to be mindful that today is a milestone in your professional career in the Agency.
He said the specialised training―and the skill acquired thereof―would, no doubt, enhance the competence in their special roles “for the Agency in the war against illicit drugs.”
“It is important that I should remind you that as the Agency scales up its operation against illicit drugs trafficking, your service will become increasingly essential to the successful attainment of our organisational goals.”
He explained that the special nature of trainings given to the 650 officers required them to serve as force multipliers to the conventional staff of the agency in the field.
“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,” he said.
While noting that the objective of the course had been achieved, Marwa tasked them not to rest on their oars as their competences would be tested from time to time by challenges that would recur in their careers as anti narcotic operatives.
“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 who was represented by his Special Adviser, Col. Yakubu Bako (Retd) reminded the operatives that the Strike Force was one of NDLEA’s tactical creations of 2021 to provide cover for operatives who work in dangerous areas to carry 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 our 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.
Also in Ondo State, the agency stated that 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.
Babafemi stated that both operations were dangerous, but the Strike Force Unit p p. provided the needed cover, repelled mob attack and ensured our officers and men performed their duty safely.”
Gen. Marwa urged the officers to shun any enticement that is in conflict with the ethos of their profession as anti-narcotic operatives.
“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”, he added.
About 600 Strike Force operatives participated in special warfare training while 50 others had all arms drills training.
