Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa (rtd) has commended the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their professionalism, patriotism and daily sacrifices in their efforts to curb banditry in the North West and other security challenges in parts of the country, noting that the military is capable of containing banditry in Nigeria.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi said Marwa made the commendation yesterday, when the national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka paid him a courtesy visit at the NDLEA’s national headquarters in Abuja to seek collaboration with NDLEA.
Marwa said there is a need to support and encourage the Armed Forces following a viral video of bandits celebrating the ‘capture’ of a military armoured vehicle stuck in a mucky path in Kwashabawa, Zurmi local government area of Zamfara State, adding that the Nigerian military is well placed and capable of containing banditry like they already contained insurgency in the North East.
He urged Nigerians to stand with the military and other security agencies in the ongoing efforts to end all security challenges facing the country.
According to him, “man for man, officer to officer, soldier to soldier – the Nigerian Armed Forces personnel are an equal or better match to any of their colleagues anywhere in the world.”
He said this explains their success in peacekeeping operations even before independence and the reason why they are well sought after by the United Nations, adding that the exploits of our armed forces under ECOMOG are still fresh in memory.
“I recall that during my tenure as Defence Adviser in our Permanent Mission to the UN, Nigerian troops were always sought after for their professionalism and effectiveness”, he stated.
Speaking earlier, Gen. Laka said he came on the visit to seek collaboration between the centre and NDLEA because of the strong nexus between drugs and crimes.
He noted that with over 50,000 arrests in three years, the activities of NDLEA have disrupted crimes, and struck a significant blow to the criminal organizations as well as activities that thrive on illicit drugs and substances.
According to him, “We all know the nexus between drug abuse, crime and terrorism. We know that drugs fuel various forms of criminality, including terrorism by providing financial resources and impairing judgment, thus contributing to violent extremism. This nexus underscores the importance of a holistic approach to combating these threats.”
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