A poignant Night of Tributes was held to honor the legacy of the late Fulani Kwajafa, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who passed away at the age of 88.
Former colleagues, family, and friends gathered in Abuja yesterday to celebrate his extraordinary life and contributions to Nigeria.
Former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, reminisced about his long association with Kwajafa, describing him as an “uncommon Nigerian” with an infectious patriotism. Recalling their first encounter in 1964.
“He was such a great Nigerian with a deep sense of patriotism and dedication to his responsibilities as a consummate Police Officer,” he said.
Babangida praised Kwajafa’s rise through the ranks of the Nigeria Police, noting his innovations and significant role in combating drug trafficking during his tenure at the NDLEA.
Also, Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), the current NDLEA Chief, expressed deep sorrow at Kwajafa’s passing, stating, “Mr. Kwajafa’s death at 88 is no doubt a national loss of unquantifiable magnitude because of the many ways he touched the Nigerian polity.”
He highlighted Kwajafa’s legendary achievements and the enduring legacy he leaves behind, particularly his visionary leadership in drug law enforcement.
Former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, also paid tribute, acknowledging Kwajafa’s legacy as the first head of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) and emphasizing his unwavering commitment to national service.
“His legacy will forever resonate as a beacon of inspiration,” Arase said, noting the impact Kwajafa had on his family and community.
Ambassador Lieutenant General (Rtd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff, expressed his deep sadness at the loss of a “towering figure” in Nigerian policing.
He reflected on Kwajafa’s integrity and dedication to public safety, highlighting his role in establishing the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in 1984, which laid the foundation for a renewed approach to combating crime.
Senior Technical Assistant to the Governor of Borno State, Dr. Nana Safiya Garnvwa, echoed similar sentiments, praising Kwajafa as a Nigerian worthy of emulation.
“His remarkable leadership and skill in addressing complex criminal cases earned him multiple awards and commendations, including the prestigious Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR),” she stated.
The tributes paid to Kwajafa collectively highlighted his significant contributions to law enforcement, his moral integrity, and his enduring legacy, marking him as a foundational figure in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking and crime.
As family and colleagues mourn the loss, they find solace in the profound impact he made on the nation and the inspiration he continues to provide to future generations.
One of his children, Mr Nuhu Kwajafa MFR, the Director General of the Global Initiative for Peace, Love & Care (GIPLC), said that Kwajafa’s legacy will live on among his children.
“The feeling is a feeling you can not really express. Feeling of joy, happiness and on top of the world that Baba is been celebrated by highly placed Nigerians. Baba dedicated to serving Nigeria made in exceptional.
“Baba made his legacy in law enforcement while mine is serving humanity which I have been doing for over 18 years. I am serving my nation too just the way baba gave 40 years of his serving Nigeria,” he said.
Fulani Kwajafa whose memory will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those he served, was later laid to rest on Tuesday at the Gudu Cemetery.
