Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it arrested over 11,340 suspects and convicted 1,111 people for drug related offences across the country in the last 11 months.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), who spoke on Tuesday at a meeting with the Directors, Zonal Commanders, State, and Special Area Commanders of the agency, warned that tougher times await drug barons, cartels and traffickers of illicit drugs in the year 2022.
General Marwa tasked the Directors, Zonal Commanders, State and Special Area Commanders to make it difficult for drug barons, traffickers and cartels to operate in the country in the new year.
The NDLEA boss, who rewarded four state commands and 25 officers with cash-backed awards for their outstanding performances in the fight against illicit drugs across the country in the outgoing year, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his constant support and encouragement to the NDLEA and its work.
Marwa’s address, which was released in a statement by Mr. Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy, said: “The figures of our Drug Supply Reduction activities have skyrocketed: 11, 340 arrests and 1,111 convictions in 11 months. These figures are balanced by equally impressive drug demand reduction statistics: 7,066 counselled and rehabilitated, all in our facilities.
“During the 11 months, we have successfully mopped up over 3.3 million kilograms of assorted drugs; away from the streets of Nigeria; away from criminals, terrorists and bandits; away from our youths.
“From all indications, our reward scheme has galvanised the NDLEA workforce as evidenced by our daily and weekly performance, which attracts national and international accolades. Just three weeks ago, at the ICPC 3rd National Summit on Diminishing Corruption in Nigeria, held on November 30, 2021, our officer was one of three distinguished Nigerians honoured by the President with the 2021 Public Service Integrity Award. That speaks volumes about the renewed work ethics within the agency.
“We are doing our utmost to win this war against drug abuse and trafficking of illicit substances, both from a policy perspective (such as the launch of the National Drug Control Master Plan, NDCMP 2021-2025) and from a tactical perspective (like the gradual takeoff of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), across the 36 states). The onus is now on us to ensure that our performance will not become a flash in the pan.
“This awards ceremony should imbue us with the nous to sustain the momentum and the upward swing.
“This is my charge to the entire NDLEA workforce: We must, in good conscience, continue to justify the enormous energy we have invested this year, in turning around the fortunes of the agency.