The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has delivered a resolute charge to the agency’s newly trained personnel. Addressing 2,500 Narcotic Agents and Narcotic Assistants at their passing-out parade in Katsina, Marwa emphasized the need for unwavering dedication and resistance to corruption in the fight against drug trafficking.
Marwa urged the recruits to stand firm and reject temptations that may come from drug barons and cartels. Acknowledging the challenging nature of their work, he stressed that their efforts would directly impact the safety and well-being of their families, communities, and the nation. The NDLEA boss highlighted the agency’s storied history of dedication and resilience, emphasizing the importance of the new recruits in contributing to the fight against drug trafficking organizations.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Col. Yakubu Bako (Rtd), Marwa disclosed that NDLEA had launched an offensive action to put traffickers and barons on the defensive. He also mentioned the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy campaign with the long-term objective of preventing drug abuse in society. The NDLEA Chief assured the recruits that they were joining the agency at a challenging but exciting and gratifying time, where the latest techniques, technologies, and intelligence are employed to curb the drug menace.
In his address, Marwa cautioned against the insidious temptations of bribery and corruption that often accompany the drug trade. He emphasized that drug traffickers and their cohorts might attempt to compromise the integrity of anti-narcotic law enforcement officers through financial incentives. The NDLEA Chief urged the personnel to remain impervious to these temptations, emphasizing that corruption and bribery have no place in the mission to eradicate the suffering caused by the illicit drug trade.
Marwa implored the recruits to act with integrity, uphold the core values of NDLEA, and actively expose and report any attempts at compromise. He emphasized that the consequences of falling into the abyss of corruption have far-reaching implications for the society they have sworn to protect. The NDLEA Chief underscored the sacred duty and absolute commitment required in the fight against drug traffickers.
Addressing the larger society, Marwa called for collective action to rid the country of the drug menace. He urged support for NDLEA, especially through the supply of useful intelligence, to stem the tide of abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs in the country. Expressing gratitude to various stakeholders, including the government and people of Katsina, the Emir of Katsina, and security agencies, Marwa emphasized the societal duty to safeguard the nation from the dangers of illicit drug culture.
The passing-out parade, attended by high-ranking officers from various security agencies, featured a march past, a demonstration of basic anti-narcotic operations skills, and the presentation of awards to outstanding cadets. Dignitaries present included Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Faskari, Secretary to the Katsina State Government, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Daura, among others.
