By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE NATIONAL Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recognized the bravery of eight Marine Command officers by awarding them special promotions for their exceptional conduct during a recent operation against drug traffickers on Lagos waterways.
The officers intercepted canoes and boats attempting to smuggle 60 jumbo bags of illicit drugs from Ghana to Nigeria.
During a ceremony held at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on August 29, 2024, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), decorated the promoted officers and presented them with commendation letters.
Marwa praised their bravery and dedication, stating, “Every breakthrough we achieve tells the world a story about the new NDLEA we are building.
This success reinforces our conviction that we are on the right track.”
The operation, conducted on August 23, 2024, involved the Special Marine Squad acting on intelligence received at 3.00am.
They intercepted a boat along Alfa Beach in Lekki, Lagos, seizing 60 bags of Ghanaian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis weighing 2,400 kilograms.
The team also arrested a 30-year-old Ghanaian suspect, Hambo Tete, and impounded the boat powered by three outboard engines.
Marwa highlighted the significance of this operation, noting that it demonstrated the effectiveness of the NDLEA’s strategy to block traditional trafficking routes through airports and land borders, forcing traffickers to seek alternative routes like waterways.
He emphasized that the Marine Command is now fully equipped and trained to thwart these attempts, ensuring that waterways are not a safe haven for drug traffickers.
Addressing the promoted officers and their colleagues, Marwa urged them to maintain the momentum and protect the integrity of their work.
He stressed the importance of adhering to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and avoiding any compromises in their mission to combat drug trafficking.
The promoted officers—Dick Aaron Dick, Alabi Mayowa, Gabriel Ubokikwan, Aso Daniel John, Abdul Emmanuel Sule, Ngabolo Victor Sonpano, Jonah Emmanuel Sule, and Membe Timipa Gabriel—were commended for their dedication and resilience.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Aaron Dick expressed gratitude to Marwa for his leadership and the transformation of the NDLEA into a more efficient and result-oriented organization.
He noted that the special promotion would inspire not only his team but also other personnel to excel in their duties.
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