The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, during visit to the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Buba Marwa (rtd), in Abuja, pledged to allot punishment to any military personnel found guilty of drug abuse.
The CDS commended the NDLEA for their august efforts in combating drug abuse and trafficking. He also acknowledged the positive shift in the international community’s perception of Nigeria due to the agency’s relentless war against narcotics.
During the visit, Gen. Musa assured Brig. Gen. Marwa of the steadfast support of the armed forces in the renewed fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
He stated the military’s commitment to accountability, stating, “On our part, we will not shield anybody found guilty of drugs. We have made a number of arrests in the Northeast, our checkpoints and all; we pick them up and prosecute them.”
Highlighting the importance of tackling drug abuse holistically, Gen Musa recommended prioritising rehabilitation for those affected, especially considering the role peer pressure play in influencing individuals towards drug use.
He alerted that allowing drugs to take over the country would have severe consequences for all citizens.
The CDS announced that the military had implemented drug tests as a requirement for training and promotion in the armed forces, citing the connection between drug abuse and national security.
He noted that curbing drug abuse could significantly contribute to reducing the rate of insecurity faced currently by the country.
Gen. Musa further promised to consider the NDLEA’s proposal for the military to establish its central rehabilitation center, acknowledging the prevalent nature of drug use and its infiltration into various sectors, including the Armed Forces.
In his response, the NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen Marwa applauded the loyalty, sacrifices, and commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the country’s safe.
He expressed gratitude for the military’s support in terms of logistics and training, stating the critical role the partnership between the military and the NDLEA plays in combating crimes rooted in substance abuse.
Marwa highlighted the agency’s vigorous efforts to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs, noting the correlation between drug use and criminal activities in the country. He hailed the military’s offensive actions against criminal elements dependent on drugs to carry out their activities.
, General Christopher Musa, during visit to the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Buba Marwa (rtd), in Abuja, pledged to allot punishment to any military personnel found guilty of drug abuse.){kind=link}