.Awards Officers for Outstanding Performance
ZAINAB JUNAID
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted narcotic drugs worth N134.2 billion at the TinCan Island Port in Lagos.
This was disclosed by Commander Ofoyeju Mitchell during the agency’s 2024 Media Briefing and Awards Ceremony held at Grimaldi Conference Hall, TinCan Island Port.
According to Commander Mitchell, the operational results have helped to insulate the economy from the adverse effects of criminal proceeds and promote public health and safety.
“The year 2024 presented us with many challenges, but through teamwork, strategic planning, and intelligence-led operations, we have achieved remarkable milestones by disrupting the illicit drug trade, promoting community engagement, and deepening collaboration with stakeholders”.
He highlighted the seized drugs to include: Codeine: 305,323.37 kg; Tapentadol: 13,370 kg; Tafradol: 11,230.8 kg; Benzhexol: 5,888.8 kg; Cannabis indica: 3,601.25 kg; Methamphetamine: 83.301 kg; Cocaine: 56.39 kg; and Heroin: 23 kg.
The Commander also informed that in addition to the massive seizures, the agency had apprehended 38 drug suspects, including one female, and secured 12 convictions with 26 cases still pending in court.
To him, “The agency’s efforts have not only disrupted the illicit drug trade but also promoted public health and safety, and insulated the economy from the adverse effects of criminal proceeds”.
Commander Mitchell attributed the success recorded to teamwork, strategic planning, and intelligence-led operations. He assured that the agency will continue to monitor drug trafficking trends and thwart every criminal manipulation.
“Drugs and crime are intertwined. It is either the cartels are using proceeds of drugs to fund their acts of criminality or they rely on the influence of drugs to perpetrate heinous activities. This obviously underscores the crucial role of the agency at the seaports in disrupting drug supply chains and mitigating the impact of criminal acts in our communities,” Mitchell added.
Speaking further, he noted that the Command will remain vigilant in protecting the country from the painful grip of kidnapping, gruesome murder, and related crimes that are aggravated by drugs.
“As frontline gatekeepers, we understand that these seizures and arrests have significantly contributed to the relative peace enjoyed by citizens across the length and breadth of our beloved country. It has equally enhanced a conducive environment for the ease of doing business in the maritime industry. Nevertheless, we are not relenting on our mandate which is to encourage legitimate commerce and eliminate any act of criminality that is injurious to economic growth. This is our modest contribution to national security, and we will leave no stone unturned until TinCan Island port is completely impenetrable by the drug trafficking cartels,” Mitchell emphasized.
“Notably, the impressive scorecard was made possible through shared commitment to promoting zero tolerance for drug trafficking, local and international collaboration, intelligence sharing, and efficient deployment of sniffer dogs with unprecedented capabilities to detect concealed drugs.NDLEA also focused on public education through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. This involves community awareness programs to educate the public about the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse,” he added.
However, in a related development, deserving outstanding Officers were recognized with special awards for their excellence and commitment to Service at the event.
Commander Mitchell shared the award categories, which ranged from Most Productive Officer-in-Charge to Best WADA Media Partner of the Year 2024.
These awards are designed to encourage best practices, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a culture of accountability and transparency among officers.
The list of awards and the recipients include the Most Productive Officer-in-Charge of the Year won by CAN Adefunke Akindele, Most Enterprising Officer of the Year won by CAN Muje Stephen, WADA Facilitator of the Year won by CAN Salihu Isa Machi, and Most Dedicated Officer of the Year won by CSN Audu Samuel, while SNA Mohammed Musa won the Best Dressed Officer of the Year.
The Best WADA Media Partner of the Year was given to Mr. Davidson Iriekpen of Thisday newspaper for his tenacity and dedication to anti-drug abuse public enlightenment.
The event also marked the unveiling of the maiden edition of the TinCan Strategic Command quarterly newsletter.
This publication, according to Mitchell aims to inform Stakeholders of the Command’s operations, Community engagement activities, and significant achievements while promoting greater collaboration in the fight against drug abuse.
Commander Mitchell equally expressed heartfelt appreciation for the enabling environment provided by Gen. Buba Marwa to tackle the challenge of drug trafficking at the seaport.
He acknowledged the hard work and dedication of NDLEA personnel, as well as other Stakeholders in the anti-narcotic campaign, stressing 2025 will be better than the previous year as efforts will be geared towards promoting professionalism, capacity building.