The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), emphasized the agency’s intensified efforts in combating drug-related criminal activities. Marwa acknowledged that criminal elements heavily rely on drugs to facilitate their illicit operations.
In a significant development, the Nigerian military has pledged to reinforce its partnership with the NDLEA to address the challenges posed by substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gusau, conveyed this commitment during a courtesy visit to NDLEA’s National Headquarters in Abuja on December 18, 2023.
During the visit, Marwa commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their dedication, sacrifices, and contributions to maintaining national security. He expressed gratitude for the military’s support in terms of logistics and training. Stressing the importance of collaboration, Marwa highlighted the pivotal role substance abuse plays in fostering criminality nationwide.
Over the past three years, the NDLEA reported notable achievements, including the arrest of 42,105 drug offenders, apprehension of 46 drug barons, seizure of 7,500 tons of drugs, and the destruction of 1,057 hectares of cannabis farms. Additionally, 8,350 offenders were convicted, and 29,400 drug users underwent counseling and rehabilitation.
Marwa urged the armed forces to consider establishing a central rehabilitation center and integrating rehab facilities into existing military hospitals to address substance abuse issues among their personnel.
In response, Gen. Gusau commended the NDLEA for its transformative efforts in the war against drugs, praising the positive impact on Nigeria’s international image. He assured continued support from the military in the renewed fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. The CDS also acknowledged the NDLEA’s influence on the military’s decision to implement drug tests as a requirement for training and promotion.
Gen. Gusau emphasized the undeniable link between drug abuse and insecurity, expressing the belief that curbing substance abuse would significantly reduce current security challenges. He acknowledged the need for a holistic approach to tackle the menace and expressed openness to the suggestion of establishing a central rehabilitation center for the military.
In conclusion, Gen. Gusau affirmed the unwavering support of the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with the NDLEA until the complete elimination of drug-related issues in the country.