The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has granted special promotions to eight officers of its Marine Command for their exceptional bravery and professionalism during a recent high-risk operation.
The officers successfully intercepted boats smuggling illicit drugs from Ghana into Nigeria through the Lagos waterways, a significant operation that has garnered national attention and commendation from the agency’s leadership.
Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, announced the promotions and decorated the officers with their new ranks during a ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday.
The officers honored were Dick Aaron Dick, Alabi Mayowa, Gabriel Ubokikwan, Aso John, Abdul Sule, Ngabolo Victor Sonpano, Jonah Sule, and Membe Gabriel. They also received commendation letters recognizing their outstanding performance.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of August 23, 2024, was launched following actionable intelligence that revealed an attempt to smuggle drugs from Ghana into Nigeria. At around 3 a.m., the NDLEA Marine Command officers moved swiftly to intercept the traffickers’ boats on the Lagos waterways.
According to Marwa, the officers successfully intercepted two boats laden with illicit drugs. However, the interception of the second boat posed significant challenges, as the officers faced violent resistance from the traffickers. Demonstrating remarkable courage and focus under pressure, the officers overcame these challenges and managed to recover the illicit cargo.
The NDLEA officers seized a total of 60 jumbo bags of “Ghanaian Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis. The haul weighed approximately 2,400 kilograms. In addition to the drugs, the officers arrested a suspect, Hambo Tete, a 30-year-old Ghanaian national, and impounded the exhibit boat, which was powered by three outboard engines.
During the decoration ceremony, Marwa praised the officers for their heroic actions and noted the significance of their success. He emphasized that the operation serves as a clear message to criminal elements that the NDLEA is vigilant and active on all fronts, including the waterways.
“The bravery displayed by our officers is a testament to their commitment to the NDLEA’s mission to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs,” Marwa said. “Their actions were not only significant in seizing a large quantity of illegal drugs but also in demonstrating to traffickers that our waterways are not safe havens for their activities.”
Marwa highlighted two key points regarding the operation’s success. First, he noted that the NDLEA has been effective in securing traditional trafficking routes through airports and land borders, prompting traffickers to seek alternative routes. Second, he emphasized that even these alternative routes, such as the waterways, are under constant surveillance and are equally perilous for traffickers.
“This operation affirms that the NDLEA is not only formidable on land and in the air but also on water,” Marwa added.
