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NDLEA Commends Tinubu’s Support for Anti-Drug War
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recently expressed its gratitude towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria. Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, conveyed this appreciation during a press interaction while inspecting the facilities at the NDLEA barracks in Yola, Adamawa State.
Marwa highlighted the significance of President Tinubu’s continued commitment to the cause, emphasizing the importance of sustained support from key stakeholders in the government. He acknowledged the efforts of both President Buhari and President Tinubu in prioritizing the security and welfare of NDLEA personnel, noting the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in dealing with drug-related crimes.
Marwa expressed her satisfaction with the NDLEA barracks in Yola, praising the consultants and contractors for their outstanding efforts in guaranteeing superior construction standards. He expressed optimism about the timely launch of the barracks, which symbolizes a significant milestone in enhancing the operational capabilities of the agency.
Furthermore, Marwa outlined the agency’s strategic plan to establish barracks in each of the six geopolitical zones, with a long-term vision of extending this infrastructure to all state commands and special area commands across the country. This expansion aims to promote equity and efficiency in the agency’s operations, fostering a conducive environment for NDLEA personnel to carry out their duties effectively.
In addition to infrastructure development, Marwa emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling the root causes of substance abuse and reducing the demand for illicit drugs. He highlighted the role of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse in identifying key factors contributing to drug abuse and trafficking, with poverty being a significant underlying issue.
Marwa underscored the government’s commitment to addressing poverty as a fundamental step towards curbing drug abuse, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach involving multiple stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, and various community organizations. In order to prevent drug abuse, he underlined the shared accountability of the media, educational institutions, religious organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other social actors.
Looking ahead, Marwa hinted at an upcoming briefing where significant seizures and arrests related to ongoing efforts to dismantle drug cartels operating across international borders would be disclosed. This proactive approach reflects NDLEA’s determination to disrupt illicit drug networks and enhance national security.
To sum up, President Tinubu’s endorsement highlights the cooperative nature of the war on drugs and highlights the critical role that law enforcement, government officials, and civil society play in preventing drug abuse. The progress made in infrastructure development and demand reduction initiatives signals a concerted effort towards creating a drug-free society and safeguarding the well-being of Nigerian citizens.