35-Year Old Jinx Broken As FG Commissions First NDLEA Barracks

 Thirty-five years after the establishment of the Nation­al Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Government on Tuesday com­missioned the first barracks that will provide office and residential accommodation for officers, men and women of the anti-narcotics body with a charge to the personnel that the well-deserved investment in their welfare was a call to higher responsibility and un­wavering dedication to duty.

Speaking at the commis­sioning ceremony of the first NDLEA barracks in Yola, Ad­amawa State, Attorney Gener­al of the Federation and Min­ister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the facil­ity, which includes modern ad­ministrative offices, detention facilities, secure storage, and residential accommodations, is not just a physical structure but a critical investment in hu­man capital and a testament to President Bola Tinubu admin­istration’s resolve to create an environment where NDLEA officers and their families can live and thrive with dignity and security.

According to him, “The role of NDLEA in our soci­ety cannot be overstated. The fight against drug abuse is a fight for our nation’s future. It is a battle to protect our youth from the devastating effects of substance abuse and to rid our communities of the violence and destruction that often accompany the illegal drug trade. This barracks, there­fore, is more than a place of residence; it is a fortress of re­silience and a beacon of hope for our nation’s future.

“I would like to re-assure of my continued commitment to supporting the work that you do. This is based on my person­al conviction of the intersec­tion between justice and law enforcement. This facility is a critical component of the rule of law—ensuring that those who are tasked with up­holding our laws are protected, empowered, and equipped to carry out their duties. It rein­forces the principle that justice begins with those who enforce it, and it is our collective re­sponsibility to provide them with necessary resources to carry out their responsibilities effectively.”

He urged NDLEA officers who will inhabit the facility to remain steadfast in their service.

“I urge the officers who will call this facility home to remain steadfast in their ser­vice to their motherland. The nation looks to you, not only as enforcers of the law, but as protectors of our shared hope for a safer, healthier so­ciety. This investment in your welfare is a call to higher re­sponsibility, one that requires unwavering dedication and resolute commitment. This day should serve as more than the commissioning of a physical structure. It should be a reaffirmation of our collec­tive commitment to building a society where every citizen can thrive—free from the per­ils of drug abuse and the de­struction it brings. Together, through concerted effort and unwavering determination, we will secure the promise of a better and brighter Nigeria for all”, the minister stated.

While commending former President Muhammadu Bu­hari under whose leadership the project was approved and set in motion, the minister praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for aiding the dream into fruition, Governor Ahma­du Umaru Fintiri of Adama­wa State for his exemplary cooperation and support in ensuring that the project was executed in a conducive and harmonious environment, just as he appreciated the sup­port of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Riba­du, towards the operational successes of NDLEA.

“I must acknowledge the unwavering support of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under whose leadership this com­missioning is taking place. His steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law, empowering institutions, and ensuring that critical agencies like the NDLEA have the re­sources they need to succeed is well known and evident in today’s event. Additionally, the foundational contributions of the previous administration, under the leadership of Pres­ident Muhammadu Buhari, must also be recognised, as it was during his tenure that this initiative was approved and set in motion.

“This project, which has been conceptualised and driv­en by Brigadier General Mo­hamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the dynamic Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, is a re­flection of the forward-think­ing leadership that has defined his tenure in the agency. I am proud to note that General Marwa has revitalised the operational framework of NDLEA, demonstrating ex­ceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to pub­lic service delivery.”

In his remarks, Chairman/ Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) emphasised the significance of the barracks project to the safety of the agency’s personnel 35 years after its establishment.

“This year marks the 35th anniversary of NDLEA. Over the years, the absence of dedi­cated accommodation for our officers has led to challenges, including exposure to risks for them and their families. Trag­ically, quite a number of our personnel have been trailed to their houses and murdered. Such incidents emphasise the urgency of providing secure housing for our personnel.”

He expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his contin­ued support and belief in the NDLEA mandate.

“Mr. President, your ad­ministration’s unwavering commitment to improving se­curity, strengthening institu­tions, and ensuring the welfare of law enforcement personnel inspires us all. We are thankful for being beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Agenda”, he stated.

Speaking on the project, Marwa said, “This facility, situated on an 18-hectare site in Kwanan Waya, reflects our commitment to the safety, welfare, and operational effi­ciency of our personnel. The Yola Barracks includes office structures, accommodation and auxiliary facilities. The office structures consist of a modern administrative build­ing for the NDLEA Adamawa State Command, a detention facility, a state-of-the-art ex­hibit room, watchtowers, and operational pavilions. The accommodation includes lodges for the state and zonal commanders, 80 one-bedroom terrace flats, 120 two-bedroom semi-detached flats, and 60 three-bedroom semi-detached flats.

“The auxiliary facilities comprised enhanced security features, a generator house for uninterrupted power sup­ply, parking spaces, a parade ground, a service bay, and a perimeter fence. This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to our resolve to win the fight against drug abuse and traf­ficking in Nigeria. It symbo­lises our commitment to the welfare of our personnel and serves as a bold statement of our determination to build a safer nation.”

In his message at the oc­casion, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri commended President Tinubu, Marwa and other stakeholders for their fore­sight, vision, and commitment to the barracks project.

“This barracks is a testa­ment of their unwavering ded­ication to save-guarding our nation and its people, partic­ularly our youth, who are our valuable assets and leaders of tomorrow from the many illic­it drugs. The establishment of this facility is not merely about bricks and mortar. It is about fortifying our determination and collective resolve to pro­tect our prosperity from the threat of illicit drugs towards peace and stability”, he stated.

The National Security Ad­viser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in his remarks presented by AIG Rex Dundun, said, “This mile­stone underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to providing a conducive envi­ronment for our national se­curity agencies to thrive. The NDLEA plays a critical role in safeguarding our nation’s health, safety and well-being by combating the menace of drug trafficking and abuse. I laud the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, (rtd), and his management team for their tireless efforts in leading the charge against drug traffick­ing and abuse in Nigeria..