NDLEA Chairman, Marwa resumes office, hints on plans against illicit drugs

The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa has promised to reposition the agency for an efficient fight against illicit drug trafficking.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari earlier approved the appointment of former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) as the New Director General (DG) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Speaking during his inaugural address to the staff of the agency on Monday in Abuja, Marwa said it was the duty of the NDLEA to stop all forms of drug abuse in the country, NAN reports.

He said the NDLEA would be expanded in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA).

“I want to reassure you all that your welfare will be given utmost attention; the outstanding issues of stagnation in rank, training and postings and due emoluments will be addressed as a priority.

“Also, operational and logistics inadequacies in the service will be looked into. Nigeria is the only country we have and we cannot fold our arms till we eliminate the drug traffickers.

“As the lead agency in the drug war in Nigeria, you are all too familiar with the extent of devastation that drug use has caused our nation.

“We will develop a strategy of work to meet our objectives, following the National Drug Control Master plan 2021- 2025 to be released soon, as our roadmap.

“With my military background, you know what to expect; NDLEA will safeguard the nation and our youths from the drug menace, that is a task that must be done.

“I expect diligence at work and will not hesitate to penalise defaulters, hard work will be rewarded.

“I would like to warn those who engage in the dastardly trade of importation, export, cultivation, processing, manufacture, trafficking, sale and consumption of illicit substances to stop forthwith or be prepared to contend with the NDLEA,” he said.