The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, says it has trained 391 personnel as ‘Special Strike Force’ to tackle drug trafficking in the nation.
The Chairman and Chief Executive of the agency, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, rtd, disclosed on Saturday in Jos that the special strike force unit was created in 2021 to enhance its fight against drug traffickers in the country.
Marwa stated that the training was designed to improve the skills and knowledge of the personnel toward optimal performance.
“This specialised training and skills acquired therefore will undoubtedly enhance your competence in the special role you will be playing for the agency in the war against illicit drugs
“This unit was created in 2021 to add strength to our fight against the supply of illicit drugs by reinforcing officers and men of NDLEA who will work in dangerous terrain.
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“The nature of your training requires that you serve as a force multiplier for the conventional NDLEA staff in the field”, he explained.
Marwa noted that the agency had recorded tremendous successes in the fight against drug peddlers in recent past, adding that more efforts and technology would be deployed toward achieving better results.
“The merit of having the strike force was evident in February 2023 when, on two occasions, the agency was able to successfully carry out raids, seizures, and destruction of a significant amount of psychotropic substances in territories that in the past were hostile and almost out of bounds for anti-narcotic officers.
“In Ondo and Ekiti States for instance, 255 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed across five local government areas in an operation that lasted for seven days.
“Similarly, in Lagos State, a notorious drug den at the Island was successfully raided in broad daylight, with over 5,000 kilograms of cannabis and other assorted drugs seized. A drug kingpin and six other suspects were also arrested.
“Moreover, the progress report I received, including the on-the-spot assessment, confirmed that the objective of the course has been achieved; I urge you not to rest on your oars, as your competence will be tested from time to time by challenges that will come in your career as an anti-narcotic operative”, he said.
Marwa admonished personnel of strike force unit to shun any enticement contrary to the ethics of their profession as an anti-narcotic operative.
“It is gratifying to note that you have been exposed to both classroom and outdoor exercises in line with the current challenges.
“I, therefore, urge you 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”, Marwa added.
The Commandant of the NDLEA Academy, Jos, Mr Hamza Umar, commended the leadership of the agency for exposing its officers and men to continuous training within and outside the country.
He advised the personnel to put to good use the knowledge and skills gained from the training toward making Nigeria a drug free society.
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