NDLEA proposes N300bn to build barracks in States, FCT — Marwa

The Chairman of Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), has ststed the agency proposed N300 billion for building of barracks in the 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory for its 10,000 personnel.

Marwa (rtd.), disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, when he appeared before the House Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes.

He said the size of the agency’s personnel had gone up to 15,000 with the 5,000 new personnel currently undergoing training.

He said the agency had planned that the first phase of the project would commence in the six geo-political zones in the country.

The former military Governor of Lagos State also called for improved funding of the agency to enable it to curtail the activities of drug cartels in the country.

He said the drug cartels were becoming wary of the nation’s airports and Seme border, hence had resorted to using boat to perpetrate their heinous crime.

According to him, there is need for more arms and ammunition, I cannot mention the number we currently have in the presence of the media.

The NDLEA boss urged the committee to consider substantial improvement in funding the agency, if it desired to arrest the peddling of illicit drugs in the country.

Marwa said there were still numerous areas in need of intervention to make the agency more effective in its operations.

Source: NAN