- The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has commenced the induction of AK-47 rifles and advanced pistols into its operational inventory for the first time in its 36-year history.
- NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), stated that the measure is necessary to protect personnel against increasingly violent and heavily armed drug trafficking syndicates.
- Master trainers selected from various commands are undergoing intensive weaponry instruction in Jos, and they will return to their formations to conduct a mandatory one-month training for all personnel before field deployment.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has officially commenced the induction of AK-47 rifles and advanced pistols into its operational arsenal to strengthen its capacity against heavily armed and violent drug trafficking syndicates across Nigeria.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the anti-narcotics agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), announced the development during the inauguration of a specialized train-the-trainer course on weapon handling at the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State.
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According to a statement by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the training covers the handling of the AK-47 rifle Type 56-1 and HS-9/CF98A pistols. This marks the first time in the agency’s 36-year history that such weapons are being formally integrated into its operations.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Col. Murtala Aminu, Marwa stated that the decision was informed by the changing nature of the fight against drug trafficking.
He noted that criminal organizations have transformed from commercial criminal enterprises into armed, organized, and ruthless entities that present a severe danger to officers in the field.
He emphasized that the procurement program is designed to preserve lives and project institutional strength, ensuring personnel are not sent into harm’s way without proper protection.
The arms procurement process was initiated in 2023 through the China North Industries Corporation and has reached its final stage, with thousands of firearms and ammunition expected to be delivered soon.
A distribution and accountability framework has already been approved, and the Nigerian Air Force will assist in airlifting the weapons to NDLEA commands nationwide.
The pioneer participants in the ongoing training were selected on merit from various commands. Upon completion, they will return to their formations to conduct a mandatory one-month weapons handling training for all personnel before the firearms are deployed for active operations.
Marwa cautioned the trainees to exercise the highest level of discipline and professionalism, warning that the agency will not tolerate negligence and that firearm proficiency must be guided by restraint, sound judgment, and adherence to the rule of law.
The NDLEA chairman expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts to enhance the agency’s operational capacity, and also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser for providing the initial consignment of firearms and ammunition that enabled the training to commence.
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