Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has awarded special promotions to eight officers from the Marine Command in recognition of their brave and professional conduct during a recent anti-drug operation. The operation, which took place on August 23, 2024, led to the successful interception of boats smuggling illicit drugs from Ghana to Nigeria through the Lagos waterways.
The promoted officers—Dick Aaron Dick, Alabi Mayowa, Gabriel Ubokikwan, Aso John, Abdul Sule, Ngabolo Victor Sonpano, Jonah Sule, and Membe Gabriel—were decorated with their new ranks and presented with commendation letters in Abuja on Thursday. Marwa lauded their bravery, highlighting their critical role in halting the smuggling of 60 jumbo bags of illicit drugs, specifically a strong strain of cannabis known as Ghanaian Loud.
Marwa commended the officers for their resilience, despite facing violent provocation during the operation. They were able to seize 60 bags of drugs, weighing 2,400 kg, and arrest a Ghanaian suspect, Hambo Tete, 30. The officers also impounded a boat used in the smuggling attempt.
Marwa emphasized that this recognition is part of a broader reward scheme he has implemented to motivate and enhance performance within the NDLEA. This includes bi-annual Command Awards and special promotions for deserving officers.
The officers' actions underscore the NDLEA's commitment to combating drug trafficking through all routes, including waterways, as traffickers seek alternative routes due to heightened security at airports and land borders.
In his remarks, the team leader, Aaron Dick, expressed gratitude for the recognition and praised Marwa’s transformative leadership, which he said has made the NDLEA a more efficient and result-oriented organization. Dick assured that the promotions and commendations would serve as motivation for him and his colleagues to continue their exceptional work.
