TheCable

Buba Marwa, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has asked newly-trained narcotic assistants to reject bribes offered by merchants of illicit drugs.

Marwa, represented by Shadrach Haruna, the agency’s secretary, spoke on Saturday in Plateau at the official passing-out parade and closing ceremony of the course 3 training for narcotic assistants.

According to a statement by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA media director, Marwa told the officers to always remember that they are on national assignment in the fight against drug trafficking.

“You are going to be assaulted and tempted psychologically and physically, subtly and brashly by merchants of this nefarious trade. You will be offered money and other forms of gratification,” he said.

“I call on you all to cultivate the will, guts and coping skills required to reject these temptations and allow for effective discharge of your duties.”

The NDLEA boss said the war against drug abuse and trafficking has gained significant strength, with the addition of hundreds of newly-trained narcotic assistants to the agency’s workforce.

“Today’s ceremony signposts yet another of the agency’s efforts towards the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign and the total eradication of illicit drugs and their effects in Nigeria,” he said.

“In particular, this training and passing out ceremony aligns with my vision of a well-motivated, visible and proactive workforce that is service-ready to meet the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of the agency and that of the nation in general.”

Marwa added that the agency’s commitment to the fight against illicit drugs “is not half-hearted and will not be compromised”.

“Since I assumed office, I have demonstrated in word and in action, a desire to up the ante of drug enforcement administration in Nigeria, as well as improve staff welfare and better working conditions for the Agency,” Marwa said.

“It is my aspiration that by the time the current series of basic training is completed, the NDLEA will be able to establish offices and presence in all the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.”

He asked citizens to support the NDLEA in safeguarding the country against the menace of drug trafficking.

“We must always keep in mind that it is our society, our children, our youths, our people, our future and our culture that are under attack and in danger of being replaced by the drug culture. Let us together arise in unison against this dreaded monster,” Marwa added.