NDLEA arms operatives with AK-47s to battle drug cartels
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has begun formally inducting AK-47 rifles and advanced pistols into its operational arsenal. This move aims to strengthen its capacity against increasingly armed and violent drug trafficking syndicates across the country. Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Buba Marwa retd., announced this during the inauguration of a specialized train-the-trainer course on weapon handling at the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State. This marks the first time in the agency鈥檚 36-year history that such weapons are being formally inducted. Marwa, represented by his Chief of Staff, Col Murtala Aminu, stated that the decision was prompted by the evolving nature of the fight against drug trafficking, as criminal organizations have become heavily armed and more sophisticated. The arms procurement process, initiated in 2023 through the China North Industries Corporation, is in its final stage, with thousands of firearms and ammunition expected soon. The Nigerian Air Force will assist in airlifting the weapons to NDLEA commands nationwide. Pioneer participants in the training will return to their formations to conduct a mandatory one-month weapons handling training for all personnel before the firearms are deployed. Marwa emphasized the importance of discipline, professionalism, and adherence to the rule of law in handling the firearms, warning against negligence. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the agency's operational capacity and the Of
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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