NDLEA Chairman Awards Special Promotions to Marine Command Officers for Successful Drug Trafficking Interdiction

 

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has approved special promotions for eight officers of the Marine Command in recognition of their bravery and professional conduct during a recent operation against drug traffickers.

In a ceremony held on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja, General Marwa awarded the officers with their new ranks and handed them commendation letters. The promotion was in response to their outstanding performance during an operation on August 23, 2024.

According to General Marwa, the Marine Command received critical intelligence at 3 a.m. on the day of the operation. The officers acted swiftly, intercepting a boat along Alfa Beach in Lekki, Lagos. Although they encountered resistance while trying to intercept a second boat, the officers remained focused and successfully seized 60 bags of "Ghanaian Loud," a potent strain of cannabis weighing 2,400 kilograms. They also arrested a suspect, Hambo Tete, a 30-year-old Ghanaian, and impounded the boat used in the operation.

Marwa highlighted the significance of the operation, noting that it demonstrated the agency’s effectiveness in securing alternative trafficking routes. He emphasized that while traffickers may attempt to use waterways, the NDLEA’s Marine Command is well-equipped and prepared to combat such illegal activities. He also acknowledged the support from the UK Home Office International Operations for providing equipment and training to enhance the Marine Command’s capabilities.

The promoted officers are: Dick Aaron Dick, Alabi Mayowa, Gabriel Ubokikwan, Aso Daniel John, Abdul Emmanuel Sule, Ngabolo Victor Sonpano, Jonah Emmanuel Sule, and Membe Timipa Gabriel. Addressing the officers and their colleagues, Marwa urged them to continue their diligent work and uphold the integrity of their mission. He emphasized the importance of adhering to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintaining vigilance in their duties.

On behalf of the promoted officers, Aaron Dick expressed gratitude to General Marwa for his transformative leadership. He noted that the special promotion and commendation would not only motivate the recipients but also inspire other personnel within the agency to excel in their roles.