The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has formally commenced the formal introduction of AK-47 rifles and superior pistols into its operational structure.
The Chairman of the Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, Rtd, disclosed this in the course of the formal inauguration of a specialised Train-the-Trainer Course on Weapon Handling, AK-47 Rifle Type 56-1 and HS-9/CF98A Pistols, on the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State.
Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, in an announcement, stated Marwa, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Col. Murtala Aminu, famous that the event marks a vital milestone in the 36-year historical past of the Agency, pushed by the altering dynamics of the conflict towards drug trafficking in Nigeria.
“The nature of the war we fight has evolved,” Marwa said, including that “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,” the assertion stated.
Providing insights into the arms procurement, Marwa revealed that the method, which started in 2023 via the China North Industries Corporation, NORINCO, has reached its remaining stage.
Thousands of procured arms and ammunition are scheduled for imminent supply, with a exact distribution and accountability plan already accepted.
The NDLEA can also be partnering with the Nigerian Air Force to facilitate the strategic airlift of those belongings throughout its instructions nationwide.
“The ongoing course is designed to supply pioneer grasp trainers. Carefully chosen from varied instructions primarily based on benefit, these pioneer contributors will return to their respective formations to guide a compulsory, complete one-month training programme for all personnel earlier than the weapons are operationally deployed.
“The weight of that responsibility should not be lost on you. You are the first. You are the standard-bearers. The operational culture, the safety ethos, the professional discipline that will define how the NDLEA handles weapons, all of that begins here, with you, in this academy, on this day,” he said.
Marwa charged the contributors to keep up the best degree of professionalism. According to him, “First, embrace self-discipline as your bedrock. Weapons handling will not be a privilege; it’s a grave accountability. Every firearm should be handled with the seriousness it calls for, always, in all circumstances.
Marwa expressed happiness over the transformation of NDLEA right into a extremely professionalised and feared adversary to drug lords, emphasising that the induction of the tactical arms represents a brand new chapter of honour and enhanced safety for the nation.
