‘You bear huge obligation’ — Marwa asks NDLEA officers to shun bribes from drug barons

Buba Marwa, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has asked officers of the agency to resist any inducement from drug traffickers and barons.

In a statement, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said Marwa spoke during the graduation ceremony of members of the agency’s strike force elite corps held on Saturday in Plateau.

The NDLEA boss was represented by Ahmed Ningi, director of special duties and strike force.

He said operatives of the agency should shun any enticement that conflicts with the ethos of their profession as anti-narcotic agents.

“Here is my appeal to each of you: Shun any enticement that conflicts with the ethos of your profession as an anti-narcotic operative. Anything that would compromise your discipline and dedication to duty should be avoided,” the statement reads. 

“As an anti-narcotic officer, you bear a huge obligation to remain incorruptible in the face of any temptation that might be sprung on you by drug traffickers and barons.

“To the Strike Force operatives, I want you to be mindful that today is a milestone in your professional career in the Agency.

“This specialised training and the skills acquired therefrom will undoubtedly enhance your competence in the special role you will be playing for the Agency in the war against illicit drugs.

“It is important that I remind you that as the Agency scales its operation against illicit drug trafficking, your service will become increasingly essential to the successful attainment of our organisational goals.

“The special nature of your training requires that you serve as a force multiplier for the conventional NDLEA staff in the field.”

Marwa applauded the officers of the agency, adding that the recent progress report he received showed they have been on course with the objective. 

He encouraged the new graduates of the strike force not to rest on their oars, as their competence would be tested in the course of their career as anti-narcotic agents.

“Moreover, the progress report I received, including the on-the-spot assessment, confirmed that the objective of the course has been achieved,” Marwa said.

“Therefore, as you graduate today, I urge you not to rest on your oars, as your competence will be tested from time to time by challenges that will recur in your career as an anti-narcotic operative.

“It is gratifying to note that you have been exposed to classroom and outdoor exercises in line with the current challenges.

“You are, therefore, urged to consolidate the knowledge gained and apply it judiciously in your various commands. Generally, I am hopeful that the benefits of the course will reflect positively on your performance in the field.”

Explaining the significance of the strike force within the agency, Marwa said he has great expectations of them.

He noted that the “strike force adds strength and purpose to our drug supply reduction effort by reinforcing officers and men of NDLEA who have to work in dangerous terrain while carrying out their duties”.

He appreciated the management and team of the training centre for providing the atmosphere for a successful completion of the course.