By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has described the fight against illicit drugs as a “generational responsibility”, saying the agency must remain relentless as new cartels and trafficking routes emerge.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the agency’s 12th awards ceremony, he said the war against illicit drugs has no end date.
“The war against illicit drugs is not a campaign with an end date. It is a generational responsibility.”
He said dismantling one cartel would not end the threat, as another could attempt to emerge.
Similarly, shutting down a trafficking corridor would force traffickers to search for alternative routes, he said.
“Our task therefore is not to declare victory. It is to remain relentless, the Chairman said.
He cited the dismantling of the Amadi Simon-led drug cartel, the takedown of two Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine cartels in the forests of Ogun and Oyo states, and the disruption of a Tramadol cartel along the Togo-Benin Republic-Nigeria corridor.
He said the operations demonstrated the courage, patience and intelligence work of NDLEA personnel, alongside cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.
The Chairman spoke as the agency honoured 274 personnel for outstanding performance.
Nine officers received special commendations, while 18 commands were recognised for their performance across different areas of the country.
He urged NDLEA personnel to draw inspiration from those being honoured.
“Let today’s honorees be your standard, not your ceiling,” he told the officers.
The Chairman also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and encouragement to the agency.
He stressed that enforcement alone would not win the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
According to him, the battle must also be fought in communities, homes and schools, with civil society organisations and the media playing important roles.
He said the NDLEA would continue working with its partners to disrupt drug trafficking networks and reduce the impact of substance abuse across Nigeria.
