The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has begun the formal induction of AK-47 rifles and advanced pistols into its operational structure in a landmark move aimed at strengthening the agency’s fight against increasingly violent drug trafficking syndicates.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, announced the development on Monday during the inauguration of a specialised Train-the-Trainer Course on Weapon Handling at the NDLEA Academy in Jos.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Col. Murtala Aminu, Marwa described the initiative as a historic milestone in the agency’s 36-year history, saying it had become necessary due to the changing nature of drug trafficking and organised crime.
“The nature of the war we fight has evolved. Drug trafficking organisation are now armed, organised and ruthless. Our officers face increasing danger in the field, and it would be unconscionable to send them into harm’s way without the tools and training to protect themselves and the public,” he said.
Marwa expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the agency’s operational expansion and also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser for providing the initial consignment of firearms and ammunition.
He disclosed that the arms procurement process, initiated in 2023 through China North Industries Corporation, has reached its final stage, with thousands of rifles and ammunition expected to be delivered soon.
According to him, the NDLEA is partnering with the Nigerian Air Force to facilitate the strategic distribution of the weapons across commands nationwide.
The training programme is designed to produce pioneer master trainers who will return to their commands to conduct a mandatory one-month weapons handling course for all personnel before operational deployment.