September 04, (THEWILL) – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) 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.
Spokesperson of the Agency, Femi Babafemi, said its Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd), made the commendation on Tuesday, when the national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General Adamu Laka, paid him a courtesy visit at the NDLEA’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Marwa, who expressed the 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, said 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.”
“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 said.
Speaking earlier, Gen. Laka said he came on the visit to seek collaboration between the centre and the NDLEA because of the strong nexus between drugs and crimes.
He noted that with over 50,000 arrests in three years, the activities of the NDLEA have disrupted crimes and struck a significant blow to the criminal organisations as well as activities that thrive on illicit drugs and substances.
“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,” Laka said.
