President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to strengthen the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with the provision of 48 new operational vehicles, in a move aimed at deepening the fight against illicit drugs and its ties to national insecurity.
At a commissioning ceremony held on Wednesday at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, described the agency as “a crucial pillar in safeguarding Nigeria’s national security.” He said the new vehicles, comprising 38 SUVs for zonal, strategic, and state commands, and 10 sedans for various directorates, will boost the NDLEA’s mobility and operational reach.
“This event is not just about commissioning vehicles. Mobility is critical to intercept traffickers and deploy resources where needed. The link between drug trafficking and insecurity is systemic – criminal gangs and insurgents rely on drug profits to fund their activities. That is why the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises drug control as part of our national security strategy. Without the mobility to swiftly reach danger points, intercept traffickers and move resources where they are most needed, our fight is severely constrained,” Ribadu said.
He praised the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), for transforming the agency into a “results-driven force” and assured that the Office of the National Security Adviser would continue coordinating NDLEA operations with other security and regulatory agencies. He urged NDLEA officers to remain professional, vigilant, and law-abiding in carrying out their duties.
Brig-Gen. Marwa thanked President Tinubu for his “unwavering and strategic support,” noting that the vehicles signalled the administration’s resolve to equip institutions on the frontlines of national security and public health. “This provision reflects the government’s determination to sustain the momentum in the anti-narcotics fight,” he said.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), also commended the agency’s discipline and performance. “Whenever I’m asked to showcase our report card, I put NDLEA first,” he stated.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the fleet acquisition as a “significant boost” to the agency’s operations, while the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, lauded the strict adherence to due process in the procurement process.
The ceremony also featured the decoration of 15 newly promoted Commanders of Narcotics with the rank of Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN), further strengthening NDLEA’s leadership structure as it intensifies its nationwide operations.