NDLEA handovers AK-47, advanced pistols to officers
In a major move to change the face of the anti-drug war in Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has officially started giving out AK-47 assault rifles and advanced pistols to its officers.
Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, announced this on Monday in Jos.
Marwa, a retired Brigadier General, spoke during the official opening of a special weapon handling training for officers at the NDLEA Academy in Jos.
The training focuses on how to use the Type 56-1 AK-47 rifle and HS-9/CF98A pistols.
Murtala Aminu, a Colonel and Chief of Staff to the NDLEA boss, represented Marwa at the event. He noted that this development is the first of its kind in the 36-year history of the agency, as drug barons have become more violent.
Marwa explained that drug traffickers are no longer just ordinary criminals, but are now heavily armed and ready to kill.
“The nature of the war we fight has changed. Drug trafficking organisations are no longer just business criminals; they are armed, organised, and ruthless.”
“Our officers face big danger in the field. We cannot send our men and women into danger without giving them the tools and training to protect themselves and the public. This training is to save lives and show that the agency is strong,” he said.
The NDLEA boss thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the agency and buying new equipment to help them succeed.
He also thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for quickly releasing the first set of guns and bullets so the training could start immediately.
Giving details on how they got the guns, Marwa revealed that the agency started buying the weapons from China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) in 2023.
He said thousands of the ordered guns and ammunition are now ready and will arrive in Nigeria very soon. The agency has already planned how to share them safely.
To avoid delays, the NDLEA is working with the Nigerian Air Force to fly the weapons directly to different state commands across the country.
Marwa said the officers chosen for the current course in Jos were picked based on merit. They will become master trainers.
After their training, they will return to their states to lead a compulsory 1-month intensive weapon training for all personnel before anyone is allowed to carry the guns for operations.
Warning the officers to be very careful, Marwa said the agency will not tolerate any form of accidental discharge or carelessness. He gave them four strict rule.
“First, discipline must be your foundation. Holding a gun is not a privilege, it is a heavy responsibility. Treat every gun with seriousness at all times.”
“Second, make safety your lifestyle, not a checklist. Carelessness causes accidents. NDLEA will not tolerate any nonsense when it comes to handling guns and bullets.”
“Third, remember that having a gun requires good character. Do not use the power of the gun to break the law. Our job is to protect lives, not to kill innocent people.”
“Fourth, do not disgrace the agency. Teach your colleagues with honesty and lead them by example,” he said.
Marwa expressed happiness that the NDLEA has now become a highly professional agency that makes drug lords run away. He concluded that arming the officers will bring more security to Nigeria.