By IBIRONKE ARIYO

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has begun the formal induction of AK-47 rifles and advanced pistols into its operational architecture in a historic shift aimed at boosting its tactical capabilities against increasingly violent drug cartels,

The NDLEA Chairman, retired, Brig.-Gen Buba Marwa disclosed this on Monday during the formal inauguration of a specialised Train-the-Trainer Course on Weapon Handling (AK-47 Rifle Type 56-1 and HS-9/CF98A Pistols) at the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State.

This is contained in a statement by Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi on Monday in Abuja.

Speaking at the landmark event, Marwa who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Col. Murtala Aminu, noted that the development marks a critical milestone in the 36-year history of the agency, driven by the changing dynamics of the war 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 increasingly face dangers in the field, and it would be unfair 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.

The NDLEA boss expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to boosting the Agency’s operational capacity, describing his leadership as the driving force behind the agency’s operational successes.

Marwa also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for its timely intervention in providing the initial substantial consignment of firearms and ammunition to kickstart the training without delay.

Providing insights into the arms procurement, Marwa revealed that the process, which began in 2023 through the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), has reached its final stage.

He said that thousands of procured arms and ammunition were scheduled for imminent delivery, with a precise distribution and accountability plan already approved.

He also said that the NDLEA was also partnering with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to facilitate the strategic airlift of these assets across its commands nationwide.

“The ongoing course, is designed to produce pioneer master trainers.

“Carefully selected from various commands based on merit, these pioneer participants will return to their respective formations to lead a mandatory, comprehensive one-month training programme for all personnel before 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 stated.

Marwa charged the participants to maintain the highest level of professionalism.

According to him, first, embrace discipline as your bedrock. Weapons handling is not a privilege. It is a grave responsibility. Every firearm must be treated with the seriousness it demands, at all times, in all circumstances.

“Second, internalise safety as a culture, not a checklist. Avoidable incidents are the result of complacency.

“The NDLEA cannot and will not tolerate negligence when it comes to the handling of arms and ammunition. We owe this standard to our colleagues and to the Nigerian public.

“Third, understand that proficiency is not just technical. It is ethical. The power that a firearm confers must always be tempered by restraint, judgement, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law and rules of engagement.

“Our mandate is to protect lives, not to endanger them.

“Fourth, be worthy of the trust placed in you. When you stand before your colleagues as instructors, you carry with you not just technical knowledge but the authority of this institution. Teach with integrity, lead by example, and hold yourselves to the highest standards.” He emphasised.

Marwa expressed happiness over the transformation of NDLEA into a highly professionalised and feared adversary to drug lords.

He emphasised that the induction of the tactical arms represents a new chapter of honour and enhanced security for the nation.

“I am proud of the extraordinary strides this Agency has made under our collective watch. In the past few years, the NDLEA has transformed into a more professional, more capable, and more feared adversary to drug criminals.

“We have recorded unprecedented seizures, dismantled criminal networks, and brought justice to traffickers who once believed themselves untouchable.

“The induction of more arms into our operational inventory is the next chapter in that story and it is a chapter that must be written with honour”, he added. (NAN)

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