Brig-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has approved special promotions for eight officers from the agency’s Marine Command. This promotion, accompanied by commendation letters, recognizes the officers’ bravery and professionalism during a recent operation that resulted in the arrest of drug traffickers and the seizure of illicit drugs being transported from Ghana to Nigeria via Lagos waterways.
At a ceremony held on Thursday at the NDLEA national headquarters in Abuja, Marwa praised the officers’ exceptional performance. “Each breakthrough we achieve highlights the progress we are making with the new NDLEA we are building. It reinforces our belief that we are on the right track. Such occasions are a source of pride for me,” he said.
Marwa explained that the special promotion and commendations were awarded in recognition of the officers’ courage and dedication. “These officers demonstrated remarkable bravery and commitment in confronting a criminal gang attempting to smuggle 60 jumbo bags of illicit drugs from a neighboring country. Despite various challenges, they succeeded in their mission,” he noted.
The NDLEA Chairman also emphasized that the recognition is part of broader reforms introduced over the past three years to enhance officer motivation and performance. “We have established bi-annual Command Awards, commendations, and special promotions to reward deserving officers. The eight officers being honored today exemplify bravery and dedication,” Marwa added.
On August 23, 2024, the Special Marine Squad acted on intelligence and intercepted a boat at Alfa Beach, Lekki, Lagos, seizing 60 bags of “Ghanaian Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis weighing 2,400 kilograms. They arrested a Ghanaian suspect, Hambo Tete, 30, and impounded the boat equipped with three outboard engines.
Marwa highlighted the significance of the operation: “This achievement underscores that we are successfully blocking traditional trafficking routes through airports and land borders, compelling traffickers to seek alternative routes like waterways. Our Marine Command’s effectiveness signals to traffickers that our waterways are also under vigilant surveillance.”
He further acknowledged the recent enhancements to the Marine Command, including new equipment and training supported by the UK Home Office International Operations. “This successful operation sends a clear message to trafficking organizations that the NDLEA, alongside other security agencies and stakeholders, will continue to safeguard our waterways from drug trafficking, just as we do with airports, seaports, and land borders,” Marwa said.
Addressing the newly promoted officers and their colleagues, Marwa urged them to maintain the agency’s momentum and uphold the integrity of their duties. “We must remain vigilant and mindful of our actions, both on and off duty,” he concluded.
