EXCITING NEWS: TNG WhatsApp Channel is LIVE…
Subscribe for FREE to get LIVE NEWS UPDATE. Click here to subscribe!
At least 650 officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Strike Force, have graduated from the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI) Jaji, Kaduna State, after weeks of rigorous specialized training.
Speaking at the ceremony, Saturday, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), said the specialized training will enhance the competence of the operatives in the special role they are playing for the Agency in the war against illicit drugs.
He said the merit of having the Strike Force was evident in the month of February when on two occasions the Agency was able to successfully carry out raids, seizure and destruction of a significant amount of psychotropic substances in territories, which in the past were hostile and almost out of bounds for narcotic officers.
In his words: “It is important that I should remind you that as the Agency scales its operation against illicit drugs trafficking, your service will become increasingly essential to the successful attainment of our organizational goals. The special nature of your training requires that you serve as force multiplier to the conventional NDLEA staff in the field.
“I have no doubt that you will measure up to the demand of the job because generations of military and paramilitary personnel have passed through this course and have distinguished themselves on the field.
“Moreso, the progress report I received, including on-the-spot assessment, confirmed that the objective of the course has been achieved. 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 anti-narcotic operatives.
“Anything that would compromise your discipline and dedication to duty should be avoided. 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.”
He noted that while 600 Strike Force operatives participated in special warfare training, the 50 others had all arms drills training.
The Strike Force is one of NDLEA’s tactical creations of 2021 to add strength and purpose to its drug supply reduction effort by providing cover for officers and men of NDLEA who have to work in dangerous terrain while carrying out their duties.