The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has commended the troops of the Nigerian Army for their patriotism and sacrifice to the nation.

Marwa in a statement issued by the Army praised the Theatre Commander Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Maj Gen Gold Chibuisi and troops of OPHK for their professionalism as well as gallantry.

The NDLEA Chairman gave the commendation when he paid an official visit to the Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri on Monday, 13 November, 2023.

“Gen Marwa said his visit to Theatre Command was to seek for more collaboration and support of the military, in order to continue with the offensive against illicit drugs use, peddling as well as deny insurgents the availability of drugs,” the statement read.

Marwa added that working together with the military would extinguish the scourge of drug abuse in the country.

Marwa further described his visit to the Maimalari Cantonment as nostalgic, having served as one time Commanding Officer 212 Tank Battalion.

He noted that the insurgency in the North East had drastically reduced compared to years back, attributing it to good leadership of the Commanders and performance of the troops of OPHK.

The Chairman assured the Command of NDLEA’s readiness to sensitize troops on the dangers of illicit drugs and called for a periodic drug test for the troops.

This he said, would drastically reduce the prevalence of drug abuse amongst the troops.

Marwa further commended the troops for their duggeness and commitment to duty, noting that the agency could be reached privately on a free call helpline for assistance.

In his remarks, the Theatre Commander Maj Gen Chibuisi, thanked Gen Marwa for his timely visit.

Chibuisi stressed that insurgency had high connection with drug abuse, hence its use by the insurgents to stimulate them in carrying out heinous acts.

Gen Chibuisi also assured Marwa that the Command will factor in drugs fight and other guidance given during the visit on maintenance of Tanks into its operations.