The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has given special trainings to six hundred and fifty (650) personnel of it’s Strike Force Unit to tackle head-on drug cartels in Nigeria.

The 650 personnel who participated in weeks of rigorous specialised trainings graduated from the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, NASI, Jaji, Kaduna state.

During the ceremony, Chairman, NDLEA Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the specialised training and the skill acquired would enhance their competence in the special role to be played for the Agency in the war against illicit drugs.

“It is important that I should remind you that as the Agency scales its operation against illicit drugs trafficking, your service will become increasingly essential to the successful attainment of our organisational goals. The special nature of your training requires that you serve as force multiplier to the conventional NDLEA staff in the field”.

Gen. Marwa, represented by his Special Adviser, Col. Yakubu Bako (Rtd) reminded the operatives that the Strike Force was one of NDLEA’s tactical creations of 2021 to add strength and purpose to its drug supply reduction effort by providing cover for officers and men of NDLEA who had to work in dangerous terrain while carrying out their duties.

“The merit of having the Strike Force was evident in the month of February when on two occasions the Agency was able to successfully carry our raid, seizure and destruction of a significant amount of psychotropic substance in territories which in the past were hostile and almost out of bounds for narcotic officers.

“In Ondo State, for instance, 255 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed across five local government areas in a seven-day operation. Similarly, in Lagos State, a notorious drug den in Patey, Lagos Island, was successfully raided in broad daylight with over 5, 000kg of cannabis and other assorted drugs seized along with the arrest of the drug kingpin and six other suspects”.

He urged the officers that, aything that would compromise their discipline and dedication to duty should be avoided.

“As an anti-narcotic officer, you bear a huge obligation to remain incorruptible in the face of any temptation that might be sprung on you by drug traffickers and barons”.

600 Strike Force operatives participated in special warfare training while 50 others had all arms drills training.