FG commissions first NDLEA barracks in Adamawa

From Umar Dankano, Yola

After 35 years of existence, the Federal government has commissioned the first barracks for personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA in Adamawa state.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi made the disclosure at the commissioning ceremony of the barracks in Yola Tuesday stressing that the president Bola Tinubu’s administration is determine in building a safe Nigeria devoid of drugs abuse.

Fagbemi noted that,the barracks will provide equipped office and residential accommodations for officers, men and women of the anti-narcotics body with a sole aim of ensuring effectiveness and efficiency in the discharge of their duties.

Fagbemi therefore charge the personnel to reciprocate such good gesture with higher responsibility and unwavering dedication to duty.

He highlighted that, the facility, which includes modern administrative offices, detention facilities, secure storage, and residential accommodations, is not just a physical structure but a critical investment in human capital and a testament to President Tinubu regime’s resolve to create an environment where officers and their families can live and thrive with dignity and security.

“The role of NDLEA in our society cannot be overstated. The fight against drug abuse is a fight for our nation’s future. It is a battle to protect our youth from the devastating effects of substance abuse and to rid our communities of the violence and destruction that often accompany the illegal drug trade.

“This barracks, therefore, is more than a place of residence; it is a fortress of resilience and a beacon of hope for our nation’s future and l would like to re-assure of my continued commitment to supporting the work that you do. This is based on my personal conviction of the intersection between justice and law enforcement.

“This facility is a critical component of the rule of law ensuring that those who are tasked with upholding our laws are protected, empowered, and equipped to carry out their duties.

“It reinforces the principle that justice begins with those who enforce it, and it is our collective responsibility to provide them with necessary resources to carry out their responsibilities effectively.”

The Minister applauded former president Muhammadu Buhari for conceiving the all important concept of building the barracks while commended president Tinubu and Governor Fintiri for their efforts in aiding the dream in to fruition.

In his remarks, Chairman of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) emphasized the significance of the barracks project to the safety of the Agency’s personnel 35 years after its establishment.

“This year marks the 35th anniversary of NDLEA. Over the years, the absence of dedicated accommodation for our officers has led to challenges, including exposure to risks for them and their families. Tragically, quite a number of our personnel have been trailed to their houses and murdered. Such incidents emphasized the urgency of providing secure housing for our personnel”.Marwa stressed.

Marwa said that,the facility, situated on an 18-hectare site in Kwanan Waya suburb of the Adamawa state capital reflects commitment to the safety, welfare, and operational efficiency of our personnel.

“The barracks includes office structures, accommodation and auxiliary facilities. The office structures consist of a modern administrative building for the NDLEA Adamawa State Command, a detention facility, a state-of-the-art exhibit room, watchtowers, and operational pavilions.

“The accommodation includes lodges for the state and zonal commanders, 80 one-bedroom terrace flats, 120 two-bedroom semi-detached flats, and 60 three-bedroom semi-detached flats.

“The auxiliary facilities comprised enhanced security features, a generator house for uninterrupted power supply, parking spaces, a parade ground, a service bay, and a perimeter fence.

“This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to our resolve to win the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. It symbolises our commitment to the welfare of our personnel and serves as a bold statement of our determination to build a safer nation.”
Marwa declared.

Our Correspondent reported that the barracks will be housing 500 personnel in the completed phase one out the three phases project .