By Princess-Ekwi Ajide, Abuja
650 officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA ‘s Strike Force unit have graduated from the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, NASI, Jaji, Kaduna state after weeks of rigorous specialised trainings in preparedness to wage relentless war against drug cartels in Nigeria
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) told the graduating Strike Force operatives “to be mindful that the specialised training and the skill acquired at the training school will enhance their competence in the special role they are playing for the Agency in the war against illicit drugs .
He reminded them that as the Agency scales its operation against illicit drugs trafficking, their service will become increasingly essential to the successful attainment of the agency’s organisational goals adding that the special nature of their training requires that they serve as force multiplier to the conventional NDLEA staff in the field.
The NDLEA boss expressed confidence that they will measure up to the demand of the job because generations of military and paramilitary personnel have passed through the course and distinguished themselves on the field especiallywith, the progress report he received about them including on-the-spot assessment, confirmed that the objective of the course has been achieved.
He urged them not to rest on your oars as their competence will be tested from time to time by challenges that will recur in their career as anti-narcotic operatives.
General Marwa who was represented by his Special Adviser, Colonel. Yakubu Bako (Retd) reminded the operatives that the Strike Force was one of NDLEAs tactical creations of 2021 to add strength and purpose to its drug supply reduction effort by providing cover for officers and men of NDLEA who have to work in dangerous terrain while carrying out their duties.
The NDLEA Chief Executive said 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.
He cited Ondo State, where 255 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed across five local government areas in a seven-day operation as an instance.
He also noted that in Lagos State, a notorious drug den in Patey, Lagos Island, was successfully raided in broad daylight and over 5, 000kg of cannabis and other assorted drugs were seized just as the drug kingpin and six other suspects were arrested.
According to the statement, both operations were dangerous, but the Strike Force unit provided the needed cover, repelled mob attack and ensured the officers and men performed their duty safely.
Speaking further, Marwa urged the strike force to shun any enticement that is in conflict with the ethos of their profession as anti-narcotic operatives reminding them that anything that could compromise their discipline and dedication to duty should be avoided as they bear a huge obligation to remain incorruptible in the face of any temptation that might be sprung on them by drug traffickers and barons, as anti-narcotic officers.
A statement signed by the Director Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, revealed that while 600 Strike Force operatives participated in special warfare training, 50 others had all arms drills training.
