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Chairman/Chief Government Officer of the Nationwide Drug Regulation Enforcement Company, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has mentioned that the arrest of fifty,901 drug offenders together with 46 barons and the profitable prosecution and conviction of 9,034 of them in addition to the seizure of over 7,561 tonnes of illicit substances up to now 38 months has despatched the best message to drug cartels and their kingpins that Nigeria gained’t tolerate their legal actions.
Marwa said this in Lagos on Monday fifteenth April 2024 in his remarks on the commissioning and handing over ceremony of an operational facility constructed and donated to NDLEA by the British authorities, which he counseled for the beneficiant assist that can additional increase the aptitude of the anti-narcotic company in tackling the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
In keeping with him, “We collect right here not simply to fee a brand new constructing advanced however to have a good time a major milestone in our ongoing struggle in opposition to the scourge of licit and illicit drug trafficking. As we speak, we fee the newly acquired constructing, a venture made attainable via the beneficiant assist of the British Authorities.
“I need to start by expressing our deepest gratitude to the British Authorities, for his or her unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to our trigger. From the onset of our collaboration, the UK has been a steadfast ally in our relentless pursuit to neutralise transnational organised legal actions, notably within the realm of illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking.
“This constructing advanced stands not solely as a bodily construction however as a logo of the enduring partnership between our two nations within the world struggle in opposition to drug trafficking. It represents the fruits of years of cooperation, mutual belief, and shared willpower to fight one of the urgent threats to our societies.
“The importance of this venture can’t be overstated. It would function an important hub for information evaluation and strategic planning in our efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and apprehend these accountable. With state-of-the-art services and expertise at our disposal, we’re higher geared up than ever earlier than to deal with this advanced and ever-evolving problem head-on.
“However past the bricks and mortar, this constructing advanced embodies the spirit of collaboration and solidarity that defines our partnership with the British Authorities. It’s a testomony to what will be achieved when nations come along with a shared function and a shared dedication to creating our world a safer place for all.
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“As an company, NDLEA has undergone an amazing reformation, with its metamorphosis catalysed by companions just like the UK. Our operations have undergone substantial reforms, leading to outstanding achievements inside the final three years.
“Throughout this era, the NDLEA achieved important milestones in its mission to fight drug trafficking and abuse. With a complete of fifty,901 arrests, together with the apprehension of 46 drug barons, our company has demonstrated its unwavering dedication to bringing these concerned in illicit drug actions to justice. Moreover, the conviction of 9,034 offenders underscores our relentless pursuit of accountability and deterrence within the struggle in opposition to drug-related crimes.
“Our seizure of seven,560,748.5 kilograms (7,561 tonnes) not solely disrupts the circulate of unlawful medicine but additionally serves as a major blow to the legal networks chargeable for their distribution. We’ve taken decisive motion in opposition to illicit drug crop cultivation with our search-and-destroy marketing campaign in opposition to hashish plantations which have led to the destruction of 1,057.33348 hectares of hashish farms up to now three years.”
Whereas acknowledging officers of the British authorities that facilitated the realisation of the venture particularly Mr. Dave Carter, the NDLEA boss referred to as for the strengthening of the partnership between Nigeria and the UK. “As we stand on the edge of a brand new chapter in our partnership, allow us to reaffirm our shared dedication to intensifying the struggle in opposition to drug trafficking and organised crime. Allow us to proceed to work hand in hand, throughout borders and limits, to disrupt legal networks, intercept unlawful medicine, and convey to justice those that search to revenue from the illicit drug commerce.”
Marwa said that although a lot has been achieved underneath his management of the company, the battle in opposition to illicit medicine is way from over. “Allow us to redouble our efforts, with renewed vigour and willpower, as we attempt to construct a safer, safer future for generations to return”, he charged.
Talking on the ceremony, British Deputy Excessive Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter assured of continued assist to NDLEA and Nigeria. In keeping with him, “We, the UK authorities are delighted to have this long-standing relationship with the NDLEA and I’m specifically delighted to have been personally in numerous actions particularly your maritime. This constructing makes a complete set of various actors and capabilities to deal with any legal exercise.
“We’re delighted to proceed our assist for the NDLEA and the Nigerian authorities to deal with what is unfortunately a worldwide trade, which wants a worldwide response. I’ll like to affix the chairman in affirming our continued assist, our continued cooperation and certainly our continued delight in working along with girls and gents of this company, the NDLEA.”
