Brigadier General Marwa Promotes Eight Officers For Stopping Major Drug Smuggling Operation On Lagos Waterways

Brigadier General Marwa Promotes Eight Officers For Stopping Major Drug Smuggling Operation On Lagos Waterways

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), has granted special promotions to eight officers of the Agency’s Marine Command for their exemplary conduct during a recent operation. The officers successfully intercepted a drug smuggling operation, seizing illicit drugs being transported from Ghana to Nigeria through the Lagos waterways.

The operation, which took place on August 23, 2024, was conducted based on actionable intelligence at around 3 a.m. The officers who received promotions include Dick Aaron Dick, Alabi Mayowa, Gabriel Ubokikwan, Aso John, Abdul Sule, Ngabolo Victor Sonpano, Jonah Sule, and Membe Gabriel. The promotion ceremony was held in Abuja, where Marwa decorated the officers and presented them with commendation letters.

Marwa praised the officers for their bravery in preventing the smuggling of 60 jumbo bags of illicit drugs from a neighboring country. He noted that such achievements highlight the progress of the NDLEA in combating drug trafficking. “Every time we have a breakthrough, it tells the world a story about the new NDLEA we are working hard to build,” Marwa stated.

During the operation, two boats were intercepted by the officers, who faced resistance in apprehending the second boat. Despite the challenges, the officers remained focused and recovered the illicit drugs, including 60 bags of Ghanaian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis weighing 2,400 kilograms. A suspect, Hambo Tete, a 30-year-old Ghanaian, was arrested, and the exhibit boat powered by three outboard engines was impounded.

Marwa emphasized that the success of this operation serves as a warning to drug traffickers who may seek to use alternative routes, such as waterways, to transport illegal substances. He also highlighted the NDLEA’s continuous efforts to strengthen its operations through rewards and reforms.

Team leader Aaron Dick expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that the special promotion and commendation would motivate them and other NDLEA personnel to continue performing exceptionally.