…9,263 people were convicted in 30 months
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have been commended for accelerating the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country in the last two and a half years of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
President/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, disclosed this on Wednesday when he presented 220 personnel with commendations and awards for their excellent performance in the discharge of their duties, while 15 senior officers were decorated with their new ranks.
Speaking at the event, Marwa revealed that the country has witnessed two major cases of shortage in demand for drugs and shortage in drug supply in the last 30 months.
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Marwa, who linked the results to the strong dedication to duty of officers and personnel of the agency, said the agency recorded a total of 45,853 arrests; Seizure of over 8.5 million kilograms of mixed illicit drugs; A further 9,263 criminals were convicted; Counseled and rehabilitated 26,613 drug users in its treatment facilities across the country
He also revealed that a total of 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities were conducted in schools, workplaces, markets, motor parks, worship centers and communities during the same period.
“Today, we especially recognize those who have gone above and beyond. We celebrate those who, despite facing enormous danger and constant temptation, chose the path of integrity, selflessness and uncompromising adherence to our mandate.
“Your commitment to the New Hope agenda of President Tinubu's administration has delivered tremendous results over the past 30 months on our two key issues of drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction, leading to 45,853 arrests; the seizure of over 8.5 million kilograms of mixed illicit drugs; and the conviction of 9,263 offenders; 26,613 drug users have been counseled and rehabilitated in our treatment facilities across the country, while Overall, 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities were conducted in schools, workplaces, markets, motor parks, worship centers and communities during the same period.
Marwa said he has maintained the tradition of hosting appreciation and awards ceremonies over the past four and a half years to appreciate and encourage officers, men and women who have distinguished themselves in the line of duty, adding that the challenge of the drug problem still remains large and more work is needed.
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“Without mincing words, the challenge we face is immense. Drug abuse, trafficking and related criminal enterprises represent a direct and existential threat to Nigeria's social fabric, economic stability and national security.
“They promote crime, corrupt our youth, and provide resources for terrorism and insurgency
“But for every kilogram of cocaine seized, for every clandestine laboratory destroyed, for every major drug kingpin captured, these criminal networks are dealt a serious blow. These victories are undoubtedly a direct result of your dedication.”
He said the reward system they have put in place is to keep the workforce in optimal condition physically and mentally while maintaining momentum and ensuring high morale. “That's why we maintain our tradition of rewarding key qualities: hard work, loyalty, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, honesty, courage and obedience.”
In addition to traditional incentives such as promotions, training and others (which we continue to work towards), we have introduced this reward system: CCEO Command Awards and Commendation. This has become one of the primary ways of expressing appreciation by management for the efforts of the NDLEA workforce.
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“If anything, our faith in the reward system has been vindicated. Over the past four and a half years, we have seen improvements in both the individual and collective ethos of our workforce. However, we must not forget that each gathering to celebrate and honor our finest efforts serves as a reminder to all officers of this great agency that there is still much work to be done.
He said the agency had been lagging behind for decades due to lack of resources and limited capacity.
“Now that we are gaining momentum with the increased capacity, we must work to roll back the influence and dismantle the structures imposed by the drug cartels using the full force of the law. In carrying out our duties, it is essential to work within the parameters of our SOPs. Adhering to these guidelines ensures your safety”, he alleged.
