os, June 29, 2026, – The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has inaugurated a specialised weapon handling training course for officers of the agency as part of efforts to strengthen its operational capacity against violent drug trafficking syndicates.
Marwa said during the inauguration at the NDLEA Academy in Jos on Monday that the training marked the formal induction of AK-47 Type 56-1 rifles and HS-9/CF98A pistols into the agency’s operational architecture for the first time since its establishment 36 years ago.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Col. Murtala Aminu, Marwa said the development was in response to the evolving nature of drug trafficking, which had become increasingly violent and sophisticated.
He said drug trafficking organisations had transformed into armed and organised criminal groups, making it necessary for the agency to equip and train its personnel adequately for field operations.
“It would be unconscionable for this agency to send men and women into harm’s way without the tools and training to protect themselves and the public they serve,” he said.
The NDLEA chairman expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts to improve the agency’s operational capability.
He also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for providing the initial consignment of firearms and ammunition that enabled the immediate commencement of the training.
Marwa said the procurement of the weapons, which began in 2023 through the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), had reached its final stage.
He disclosed that thousands of rifles, pistols and ammunition would soon be delivered, adding that a distribution and accountability framework had already been approved.
According to him, the agency is collaborating with the Nigerian Air Force to facilitate the airlift of the weapons to NDLEA commands across the country.
Marwa explained that the ongoing train-the-trainer programme was designed to produce pioneer instructors who would return to their commands to conduct mandatory one-month weapon handling training for all personnel before operational deployment of the firearms.
He urged the participants to demonstrate discipline, professionalism and strict adherence to safety procedures, stressing that the use of firearms must always be guided by the rule of law and the agency’s rules of engagement.
Marwa said the NDLEA had, in recent years, recorded unprecedented drug seizures, dismantled several criminal networks and secured convictions against drug traffickers.
He expressed confidence that the induction of tactical firearms would further enhance the agency’s capacity to protect its personnel and effectively combat organised drug crime across the country.
