NDLEA Inducts AK-47s to Combat Drug Trafficking

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has officially inducted AK-47 rifles and advanced pistols into its operational arsenal to enhance its capacity against armed drug trafficking syndicates in Nigeria. This announcement was made by the agency's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (retd), during the inauguration of a specialized trainer course on weapon handling at the NDLEA Academy in Plateau State.

The training will cover handling of AK-47 rifles, Type 56, and HS 9 CF98A pistols, marking the first time in the agency's 36-year history that such weapons have been formally inducted. Marwa emphasized the changing nature of drug trafficking, noting that criminal organizations have become heavily armed and sophisticated.

The procurement of these arms began in 2023 through a partnership with China North Industries Corporation, with thousands of firearms and ammunition expected for delivery. The Nigerian Air Force will assist in airlifting the weapons nationwide.

Marwa thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the agency's efforts to strengthen its operational capacity.