NDLEA, Plateau Government To Strengthen Collaboration In Drug War

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), have agreed to strengthen collaboration between the state government and the NDLEA to combat the state’s scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

The duo expressed their readiness for a renewed partnership during Mutfwang’s courtesy visit to Marwa at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

Marwa praised the governor for his commitment to ensuring peace, security of lives, and property on the Plateau, noting that a total of 6,975.6 kilogrammes of illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, and opioids were seized across the state in the last two years, resulting in the arrest of 1,720 suspects and the conviction of 156, while the trials of others continue.

To further strengthen the agency’s drug demand reduction efforts, Marwa suggested that the governor establish a standard rehabilitation centre, activate drug control committees at the state, local government, and community levels, and implement a drug testing policy in schools, homes, and communities throughout the state.

Mutfwang previously praised Marwa’s leadership skills in turning around and improving NDLEA’s performance since taking over as chairman in 2021. “We have closely monitored your performance, and we can say that since your arrival, the NDLEA has carried out its functions with greater vigour and determination. And I know that many of the people who profit from the illegal drug trade have had a difficult time since your arrival,” he said.

Regarding the partnership, the governor stated, “For us on the Plateau, we have come because we are genuinely concerned about the impact that substance abuse and illegal drug trading is having in our state, and we want to seek better ways of collaboration. We continue to look for ways and means to reduce the impact of substance abuse in our society. And while we have focused primarily on the demand side to the user, we must reconsider the supply side.

“On our part as a state, we are eager to work with you more closely to ensure that this threat is minimised. So we have come today to re-energise that cooperation. So far, we have appreciated your staff’s cooperation in our state, and we hope to do more, share information and intelligence, and explore ways we can collaborate.”