Abayomi Susan
In a clear demonstration of accountability and efficient resource utilization, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Strategic Command, has commenced the operational deployment of newly donated protective equipment received from the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). The move makes the NDLEA one of the first security agencies in Lagos State to immediately put recently acquired LSSTF equipment into active service.
At a ceremony held on Saturday, June 20, at the NDLEA Festac Area Command, the Commander of the Lagos State Strategic Command, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN) Abubakar Liman Wali, formally decorated officers with the newly issued bulletproof vests and ballistic helmets donated by the Lagos State Government through the LSSTF, under the leadership of its Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan.
The event was followed by a simulation exercise and a stop-and-search operation along the Mile 2 Expressway, where NDLEA personnel, supported by trained narcotics detection dogs, conducted vehicle inspections and recovered exhibits in furtherance of the agency’s mandate to combat drug trafficking and related offences.
Speaking after the exercise, ACGN Wali expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and the Executive Secretary/CEO of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, for the intervention, describing the donation as a significant morale booster for officers operating in high-risk environments.
“This equipment provides an added layer of protection for our personnel who routinely face hazardous situations in the line of duty,” Wali stated. “It has greatly boosted morale and confidence among our officers, and I am confident it will further enhance the effectiveness of our operations across Lagos State.”
The Commander noted that anti-narcotics operations often require personnel to enter volatile locations where criminal elements may resist arrest or attempt to obstruct law enforcement activities. According to him, the newly acquired protective gear has significantly strengthened the Command’s readiness to undertake such assignments.
“There are locations where we previously had to exercise extra caution and sometimes seek support from other security agencies before carrying out operations. With this equipment, we are now better prepared and more confident in executing our mandate wherever criminal elements may be operating,” he said.
ACGN Wali also appealed for additional operational support as the Command anticipates the deployment of more trained detective dogs from the NDLEA National Headquarters before the end of the year. He commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), for the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing personnel welfare, operational efficiency, and institutional capacity nationwide.
While applauding officers for their commitment and professionalism, the Commander reiterated the importance of respecting human rights and adhering to established operational procedures. He further directed that all protective equipment be properly documented, numbered, and subjected to strict inventory control measures, including sign-in and sign-out protocols, to ensure accountability and effective asset management.
The parade was led by Superintendent of Narcotics (SN) Tari Amina Alazigha, while the Commander of the Canine Unit, NAHCO, CN Dickson Osamudiamen, assisted in the decoration of officers.
