By Milcah Tanimu

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), conveyed gratitude on behalf of the agency’s personnel to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in the battle against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

Marwa expressed this appreciation while interacting with journalists during an inspection of the nearly completed NDLEA barracks in Yola, Adamawa state.

“We are grateful for this initiative, and we value the continuity in governance,” Marwa remarked. “President Buhari initiated this project with a keen eye on the security and welfare of our staff. Despite their relentless efforts in seizing, apprehending, and prosecuting criminals, they often face the daunting challenge of dealing with recurrences due to the criminals’ proximity. However, with the provision of these barracks, we are bolstering our personnel’s morale and efficiency. President Buhari set this in motion, and President Tinubu has continued with remarkable dedication. We deeply appreciate this level of commitment towards the NDLEA’s cause.”

Speaking on the construction progress of the barracks, Marwa commended the standard and quality of work achieved, stating, “The consultants and contractors have executed commendably, maintaining high standards, meticulous monitoring, and employing top-notch materials and designs. We are currently at 95 percent completion, and God willing, we aim to inaugurate this first phase before the middle of the year.”

He further outlined the agency’s strategic plan to establish barracks across the six geopolitical zones initially, aiming for equitable distribution and operational balance. “Our officers are highly motivated and eager to contribute further. This initiative underscores the commendable efforts of our officers, and they are poised to achieve even more,” he added.

Marwa emphasized the NDLEA’s commitment to addressing the root causes of substance abuse and reducing demand through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders.

“In 2018, a Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse was constituted, with me as the chairman. Our primary objective was to identify the underlying causes of drug abuse and trafficking, which we duly accomplished. Poverty emerged as a significant predisposing factor to drug use across societies. It’s crucial to acknowledge that this issue extends beyond Nigeria, affecting the global community. In combating this, President Buhari is resolute in uplifting Nigerians from poverty. The NDLEA, alongside other key stakeholders like the Ministry of Health and NAFDAC, is actively engaged in demand reduction efforts,” Marwa explained.

Highlighting the collaborative nature of the fight against drug abuse, Marwa stressed the involvement of various sectors including media, religious institutions, educational bodies, NGOs, traditional leaders, and youth organizations. “Together with security agencies, we must work tirelessly to eradicate drug abuse from our nation,” he affirmed.

Marwa concluded by hinting at an imminent briefing to the nation regarding a significant seizure and arrests made in ongoing operations aimed at dismantling drug cartels operating within Nigeria and beyond its borders.