…Commends Tinubu for boosting agency’s operational capacity
By Kingsley Omonobi
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commenced the formal induction of AK-47 rifles and advanced pistols into its operational framework as part of efforts to strengthen its tactical capacity against increasingly violent drug trafficking syndicates.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), announced this on Monday while inaugurating a specialised Train-the-Trainer Course on Weapon Handling for AK-47 Type 56-1 rifles and HS-9/CF98A pistols at the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Col. Murtala Aminu, Marwa described the development as a major milestone in the agency’s 36-year history, saying it reflects the changing realities of the fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria.
“The nature of the war we fight has evolved. Drug trafficking organisations are no longer mere commercial criminal enterprises; they are armed, organised and ruthless.
“Our officers face increasing danger in the field, and it would be unconscionable for this agency to send men and women into harm’s way without the tools and training to protect themselves and the public they serve. This programme is, therefore, not just about firearms; it is about the preservation of lives and the projection of institutional strength,” he said.
Marwa expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening the agency’s operational capacity, describing the President’s support as instrumental to the NDLEA’s recent achievements.
He also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for providing the initial consignment of firearms and ammunition, which enabled the commencement of the training programme.
Providing an update on the arms procurement process, Marwa said the acquisition, initiated in 2023 through the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), had reached its final stage.
According to him, thousands of firearms and rounds of ammunition are expected to arrive soon, while a detailed distribution and accountability framework has already been approved.
He added that the NDLEA is collaborating with the Nigerian Air Force to airlift the weapons to commands across the country.
Marwa explained that the ongoing course is designed to produce pioneer master trainers selected from various commands based on merit.
He said the participants would return to their respective commands to conduct a mandatory one-month weapons handling training for all personnel before the firearms are deployed for operational use.
“You are the first. You are the standard-bearers. The operational culture, the safety ethos and the professional discipline that will define how the NDLEA handles weapons all begin here, with you, in this academy,” he said.
The NDLEA chairman urged participants to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and safety.
“Weapons handling is not a privilege; it is a grave responsibility. Every firearm must be treated with the seriousness it demands.
“Safety must become a culture, not a checklist. Avoidable incidents result from complacency, and the NDLEA will not tolerate negligence in the handling of arms and ammunition.
“Proficiency is not only technical; it is also ethical. The power a firearm confers must always be exercised with restraint, sound judgement and strict adherence to the rule of law and rules of engagement,” he said.
Marwa expressed satisfaction with the transformation of the NDLEA into what he described as a more professional and formidable agency in the fight against drug trafficking.
“I am proud of the extraordinary strides this agency has made in recent years. We have recorded unprecedented drug seizures, dismantled criminal networks and brought traffickers who once considered themselves untouchable to justice.
“The induction of additional firearms into our operational inventory marks the next chapter in that journey, and it is one that must be written with honour, discipline and professionalism,” he added.
