The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, has issued a stern warning to new cadets, advising them against associating with illicit drug offenders.
Speaking at the passing-out ceremony of 2,500 cadets of senior officers’ basic course 16 at the NDLEA academy in Jos, Plateau state, Marwa emphasized the agency’s commitment to maintaining high standards in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
“We are currently on the verge of expanding our presence to all 774 local government areas in the country. What that should tell our new officers is that there is work to do, and you cannot afford to be complacent or compromise the high standards we have set.”
Marwa, who was represented by Victoria Egbase, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at NDLEA, underscored the importance of maintaining ethical standards and avoiding compromise in the fight against drug-related crimes.
“On that note, let me also inform you that you must not fraternize with offenders of drug trafficking laws. Doing so is dangerous to your safety; it is catastrophic to your career; it sabotages organizational goals, and it is inimical to society’s wellbeing.”
Highlighting the significance of the new cadets’ roles in the agency’s campaign against illicit drugs, Marwa urged them to stay focused on the mission and avoid compromising the goals of the organization.
“Remembering this nugget of advice and abiding by it will ensure you a colorful and gratifying career. I must prepare your minds for the task ahead of you. The duties are such that there is no room for compromising the ethics of your profession or subverting the goals of the organization.”
In the renewed campaign against illicit drugs, the NDLEA is intensifying efforts against substances such as cannabis, opioids, and other psychoactive substances.
“In our renewed campaign against illicit drugs, we are at a stage of ramped-up interdiction against cannabis, opioids, and other psychoactive substances. We cannot afford to decelerate our effort and we will not tolerate sabotage from within.”
