NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa Confidently Reiterates Nigerian Military’s Strong Capabilities to Combat Banditry and Insurgency

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has expressed confidence in the Nigerian military’s capacity to address the nation’s growing banditry problem, similar to their success in combating insurgency. Marwa commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their professionalism, patriotism, and sacrifices, particularly in curbing security challenges in the North West.

During a courtesy visit from Major General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Marwa lauded the efforts of the military, emphasizing that the ongoing efforts in Zamfara and other states, where banditry has become rampant, will soon bear fruit. Marwa believes that with the same dedication that helped contain Boko Haram in the North East, the military will bring banditry under control.

Buba Marwa Praising the Military’s Professionalism and Sacrifices

Buba Marwa highlighted the global recognition of the Nigerian military’s effectiveness, particularly in peacekeeping missions. He cited their contributions to United Nations peace operations and their leadership role in ECOMOG as evidence of their competence. “Man for man, officer to officer, soldier to soldier – the Nigerian Armed Forces personnel are an equal or better match to any of their colleagues anywhere in the world,” Marwa stated, urging the public to continue supporting them.

The NDLEA boss further emphasized the sacrifices of military personnel, many of whom have been engaged in continuous combat for over 15 years in the fight against insurgency. Marwa pointed out the emotional toll on soldiers and their families, underscoring the need for the public to show support, not just in words but also in tangible forms such as scholarships for their children and empowerment programs for their families.

Countering Propaganda and Standing with the Military

Marwa warned against falling for the propaganda spread by criminal elements, including bandits, which could demoralize the military. He specifically referred to a viral video where bandits celebrated the “capture” of a military vehicle in Zamfara, a clear attempt to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He reaffirmed the military’s capability, insisting that they will soon end the activities of these non-state actors.

He called on the Nigerian public to rally behind the military, expressing that collective support is crucial for the success of ongoing operations. Marwa urged citizens to offer moral and financial backing to the military, emphasizing the importance of fostering a united front against the challenges posed by banditry and other forms of insecurity.

Strengthening Collaboration Between NDLEA and NCTC

During the meeting, General Adamu Laka of the NCTC emphasized the importance of collaboration between security agencies like the NDLEA and the Counter Terrorism Centre. Laka highlighted the strong nexus between drug abuse, crime, and terrorism, pointing out that the NDLEA’s work in combating illicit drugs has significantly disrupted criminal activities across the country.

Laka praised the NDLEA’s achievements, particularly the over 50,000 drug-related arrests made in the past three years, which he noted have crippled the operations of many criminal networks. He expressed optimism that through collaboration, both agencies could play a crucial role in combating not only banditry but also terrorism, which is often financed by illicit drug trade.

Focus on Strategic Communication and Public Sensitization

As part of the collaborative efforts between the NDLEA and NCTC, Laka stressed the need for strategic communication and sensitization campaigns aimed at educating the public on the connection between drugs, crime, and terrorism. He proposed organizing workshops, seminars, and other initiatives to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and its role in fueling violent crimes.

Additionally, Laka offered the resources of the NCTC’s state-of-the-art laboratories, which include facilities for toxicology, DNA testing, fingerprint analysis, and data extraction, to support the NDLEA’s operations. Both leaders agreed that a stronger partnership would help bolster national security and contribute to the long-term goal of eradicating banditry and other security threats across the country.