NDLEA seeks US support to strengthen drug war

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) has sought the support of the United States Government in strengthening Nigeria’s war against drug.

This came just as Marwa said the agency would be not spare drug traffickers, exporters and importers operating in the country.

He disclosed this when he received the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, in his office in Abuja.

Marwa was quoted in a statement as saying, “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.”

He also 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 NDLEA has received through the years. Indeed, this week, I distributed 12 vehicles which I got wind of during my time in PACEDA (Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drugs Abuse). I also got wind of delayed Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, between the agency and the United States. I am happy to say I have signed the MOU.”

He thanked the US ambassador for the visit, describing it as remarkable, coming just in the second week of his assumption of office.

In her remarks, the US ambassador said the visit was to congratulate Marwa on his appointment as NDLEA boss.

“We also like to know your priority, present and future direction of the agency under your leadership.

“We have a long history of relationship. It was great to come and see him, to get his assessment of the situation on the ground and know how to move the relationship forward,” Ms Leonard said.