• 2,500 complete training
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has advised the newly trained 2,500 personnel of the agency to shun any type of inducement from drug cartels.
He urged the new officers, who are ready for deployment, to stand firm and reject insidious temptations that would come their way from drug barons and cartels.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, said Marwa spoke at the passing out parade of the trained narcotic agents and narcotic assistants in Katsina.
The NDLEA boss, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Col. Yakubu Bako (retd.), urged the new personnel to avoid any compromise on their work as such would directly impact the safety and well-being of their families, communities, and the nation.
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He said: “I believe that before you reported at the academy, you must have read and heard about the good works of NDLEA officers. Today, the door is open for you to contribute your quota.
“The NDLEA has a storied history of dedication and resilience in the face of adversity. We are in a new epoch in which we approach the fight against drug trafficking organisations with an indomitable spirit and determination to break their stranglehold on society.
“In the renewed war on illicit drugs, NDLEA is employing the latest techniques, technologies, and intelligence to curb the menace. Hence, I can assure you that you are coming into the agency at a time when the job has become challenging but exciting and gratifying as well.
Marwa said the agency launched an Offensive Action to put traffickers and barons on the defensive while promoting the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), a social advocacy campaign with long-term objectives of preventing drug abuse in society.
“In the pursuit of the solemn duties of our mandate, it is vital for you to recognise and vehemently reject the insidious temptations of bribery and corruption that often accompany the drug trade.
“Drug traffickers and their cohorts, who readily use the trap of financial gain to push their nefarious objectives, would attempt to compromise the integrity of anti-narcotic law enforcement officers. Therefore, the officers and men of NDLEA must remain impervious to these temptations.
“We should be reminded at all times that the fight against drug traffickers is a noble cause rooted in the unwavering commitment to eradicate the suffering and devastation caused by the illicit drug trade.
“Corruption and bribery have no place in this mission, and you must not only resist these temptations but actively expose and report any attempts of compromise. Bear in mind at all times that the consequences of falling into the abyss of corruption have far-reaching implications for the society you all have sworn to protect,” he said.