Marwa Launches Historic Weapons Training for NDLEA Officers, Inducts AK-47 Rifles After 36 Years
Oru Leonard
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has inaugurated the Agency’s first-ever specialised weapon handling training course, marking a historic shift in its operational capacity as it prepares to deploy thousands of AK-47 rifles and advanced pistols for anti-drug operations.
The landmark Train-the-Trainer Course on Weapon Handling (AK-47 Rifle Type 56-1 and HS-9/CF98A Pistols) was inaugurated on Monday at the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State, signalling the first formal induction of tactical firearms into the Agency’s operations since its establishment 36 years ago.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Col. Murtala Aminu, Marwa said the move was necessitated by the growing sophistication and violence of drug trafficking organisations, stressing that the Agency must be adequately equipped to protect its personnel and the public.
“The nature of the war we fight has evolved. Drug trafficking organisations are no longer mere commercial criminal enterprises; they are armed, organised and ruthless,” he said. “This programme is not just about firearms; it is about preserving lives and projecting institutional strength.”
Marwa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening the operational capacity of the NDLEA, describing the milestone as a reflection of the President’s commitment to enhancing national security. He also acknowledged the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for providing the initial consignment of firearms and ammunition that enabled the immediate commencement of the training programme.
The NDLEA boss disclosed that the procurement of the weapons, initiated in 2023 through the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), is nearing completion, with thousands of rifles, pistols and ammunition expected to arrive shortly. He added that a comprehensive distribution and accountability framework has already been approved, while the Nigerian Air Force will support the nationwide airlift of the equipment to NDLEA commands.
According to him, the ongoing course is designed to produce pioneer master trainers who will return to their various commands to conduct a compulsory one-month weapons handling programme for all personnel before the firearms are deployed for operational use.
Marwa urged the participants to uphold discipline, professionalism and strict adherence to safety protocols, reminding them that weapons handling is a responsibility that demands restraint, sound judgement and unwavering respect for the rule of law.
He noted that the pioneer trainees would set the operational standards for the Agency’s future weapons programme, making integrity and ethical conduct essential to the success of the initiative.
Highlighting the Agency’s recent achievements, Marwa said the NDLEA has evolved into a more professional and formidable force against drug trafficking, recording unprecedented drug seizures, dismantling criminal networks and bringing traffickers to justice.
He described the induction of tactical weapons as the beginning of a new chapter in the Agency’s history, one that would further strengthen Nigeria’s fight against drug-related crimes while ensuring greater protection for NDLEA personnel in the line of duty.
