Felix Temitope, Abuja
• Investment in Your Welfare a Call to Higher Responsibility, Unwavering Commitment – AGF Fagbemi Charges Personnel
• Facility Symbolizes Agency’s Commitment to Staff Wellbeing, Determination to Build a Safer Nigeria – Marwa
DAILY COURIER – The Federal Government has officially commissioned the first-ever barracks for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Yola, Adamawa State, breaking a 35-year-old jinx since the agency’s inception. The facility will provide office and residential accommodation for officers, men, and women of the anti-narcotics agency, reinforcing their welfare and operational effectiveness.
A statement today by the agency's spokesperson Femi Babafemi disclosed that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, speaking at the commissioning ceremony, emphasized that the project is a crucial investment in human capital and a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to the wellbeing of security personnel.
Fagbemi stated that the role of NDLEA in society cannot be overstated, describing the fight against drug abuse as a battle for the nation’s future. He highlighted the need to protect youths from the devastating effects of substance abuse and to rid communities of the violence and destruction that often accompany the illegal drug trade. He assured the NDLEA of continued government support, emphasizing the intersection between justice and law enforcement, and charged NDLEA personnel to view the facility as a symbol of their responsibility to uphold the rule of law and ensure a drug-free Nigeria.
He credited the foundational approval of the project to former President Muhammadu Buhari while commending President Tinubu for ensuring its completion. He also acknowledged the cooperation of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and the unwavering support of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, towards the operational successes of the NDLEA. The project, conceptualized and driven by Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the dynamic Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, reflects the forward-thinking leadership that has defined his tenure in the agency, Fagbemi added.
The NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), described the barracks as a long-overdue development that ensures the safety and welfare of personnel who have faced security threats over the years. He emphasized that the 35th anniversary of NDLEA marks a turning point, as the absence of dedicated accommodation had exposed officers and their families to significant risks. Tragically, some personnel had been trailed to their homes and murdered, highlighting the urgency of providing secure housing. Marwa expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his commitment to security and law enforcement welfare, stating that the new barracks is a critical step towards enhancing operational efficiency.
Situated on an 18-hectare site in Kwanan Waya, the Yola Barracks includes a modern administrative building for the NDLEA Adamawa State Command, a detention facility, and a state-of-the-art exhibit room. It also features watchtowers and operational pavilions, lodges for state and zonal commanders, and various residential accommodations, including 80 one-bedroom terrace flats, 120 two-bedroom semi-detached flats, and 60 three-bedroom semi-detached flats. Additional facilities include enhanced security features, a generator house for uninterrupted power supply, parking spaces, a parade ground, a service bay, and a perimeter fence.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri commended the Federal Government and NDLEA leadership for prioritizing the welfare of law enforcement officers. He described the barracks as a testament to their unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation and protecting the youth, who are the future leaders. The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by AIG Rex Dundun, also hailed the project as a significant milestone underscoring the government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for security agencies to thrive. He urged NDLEA personnel to continue demonstrating exceptional courage, resilience, and professionalism in their duties to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, and House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Narcotic Drugs, Hon. Abass Adigun, pledged continued legislative support for NDLEA. They emphasized the importance of adequate motivation and funding for the agency to sustain its operations. The commissioning ceremony was attended by top government officials, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders who lauded the initiative as a game-changer for NDLEA personnel and the war against illicit drugs in Nigeria.
