Buhari pledges to boost operational capabilities of NDLEA

President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded the performance of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), whose Chairman/CEO, former military administrator of Lagos and Borno States, Brig-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), was appointed in January.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (retd), who disclosed this, said President Buhari had said that his administration was working on measures to further enhance the capabilities and potentials of the NDLEA.

According to the NSA, he had briefed the Council on the enablers of crime, one of which is drugs and the need to find quick responses with a view to mitigating the growing threats to society.

Responding to a question on how people were able to bring in arms and train in the bush without the Intelligence agencies picking them up, Monguno said: “Yes, you are already aware that a few days ago, the president approved the setting up of the National Commission for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, which will be domiciled in the Office of the National Security Advisor, side by side with the counterterrorism centre. Now, these two organs will be like the lead agencies in dealing with these twin evils.

“Of course, we're considering the use of other enhancers to deal with these issues. Alongside the issue of importation of drugs. This was part of the memo I presented to the National Security Council. Already, Mr. President is very, very much inspired and motivated by the new leadership in the NDLEA. And he is also working on measures to further enhance the capabilities and potentials of the NDLEA, which he is very, very happy about the performance in recent months.”