The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, has affirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will not shield any military personnel found guilty of illicit drug abuse and trafficking.
Musa made this commitment during his visit to the chairman and CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd) in Abuja. He applauded the NDLEA for its remarkable progress in combating drug abuse and trafficking, emphasizing that this has significantly altered Nigeria’s negative perception on the global stage.
He assured the continued support of the armed forces to the NDLEA in its intensified fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. Gen Musa also expressed appreciation for the agency’s outstanding performance and pledged his unwavering backing.
“In our part, we will not shield anybody found guilty of drugs. We have made a number of arrests in the Northeast at our checkpoints and all. We pick them up and prosecute them. Anyone found guilty of drugs must face the consequences. We also prioritize rehabilitation, as some individuals unwittingly succumb to drug use due to peer pressure,” he remarked.
Gen Musa emphasized the crucial need for a holistic approach to address drug abuse, highlighting its far-reaching implications. He urged vigilance and emphasized the collaborative effort to combat this menace, reaffirming the military’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse within its ranks.
“To convey to our troops that we are together and working as a team, if there are issues, especially with the members of the armed forces, please don’t hesitate and let us know. We will take adequate action. We don’t want drugs in our system,” he affirmed.
