NATIONAL: How NDLEA under my watch will wage war against illicit drugs – Marwa

THE Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency General Buba Marwa (retd.), has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the United States government in his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s war against illicit drugs.

Marwa disclosed this during the visit of the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, to his office in Abuja on Friday.

He said, “The US has assisted us in the area of training, operational equipment, logistics. But we still need more of this assistance to ensure we go after the criminals and in a hard way. I must thank the US government for all the support the NDLEA has received through the years.”

The NDLEA boss, who said the agency would be hard on drug traffickers, exporters and importers in the country, stressed that he had started making moves toward realising his goals for the agency.

“We will be hard against drug criminals. We will be serious. We are going to rid this country of illicit drugs trade, trafficking and consumption. But in carrying out this onerous task, I will take this opportunity to seek for more of your support for the agency to enable us to move faster.

“Indeed, this week, I distributed 12 vehicles which I got wind of during my time in the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drugs Abuse. I also got wind of delayed MOU between the agency and the United States. I am happy to say I have signed the MOU.” Marwa said.

While congratulating Marwa on his recent appointment, the ambassador said the US would strengthen its relationship in the agency.

“We also like to know your priority, present and future directions of the agency under your leadership. We have a long history of relationship. It was great to come see him (Marwa) to get his assessment of the situation on the ground and know how to move the relationship forward,” Leonard added.