The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has graduated 650 officers of its Strike Force unit from the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, NASI, Jaji, Kaduna State.
The graduation comes after weeks of rigorous specialised training to scaled up its preparedness to wage relentless war against drug cartels in Nigeria.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Marwa (Retd) told the graduating Strike Force operatives that they should “ be mindful that today is a milestone in your professional career in the Agency. This specialised training―and the skill acquired thereof―will no doubt enhance your competence in the special role you are playing for the Agency in the war against illicit drugs.”
General Marwa who was represented by his Special Adviser, Colonel Yakubu Bako (Retd) reminded them the Agency scales up its operation against illicit drugs trafficking and their service will become increasingly essential to the successful attainment of the agency’s organisational goals.
He noted that the special nature of their training requires that they serve as force multiplier to the conventional NDLEA staff in the field.
He said, “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. More so, the progress report I received, including on-the-spot assessment, confirmed that the objective of the course has been achieved.”
Marwa urged them not to rest on their oars as their competence would be tested from time to time by challenges that will recur in their career as anti-narcotic operatives.
He also reminded the operatives that the Strike Force was one of NDLEA’s 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 merit of having the Strike Force was evident in the month of February when on two occasions the Agency was able to successfully carry out 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 stated.
These includes Ondo and Lagos States where 255 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed and assorted drugs seized.
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