By David Oluwatosin
The Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has commended the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for the safe rescue of 20 prospective corps members and another person abducted in the South-East.
Marwa described the successful operation as a victory for the country and evidence of the effectiveness of coordinated, intelligence-driven security operations in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities.
In a statement reacting to the rescue, the NDLEA chairman praised the courage, professionalism and cooperation demonstrated by the security agencies, noting that the safe return of the victims had brought relief to their families.
He said prospective corps members represented the hope and future of the country and deserved adequate protection as they prepared to serve the nation.
“The safe return of these young Nigerians to their families is a testament to the courage, professionalism and unity of purpose of our security agencies,” Marwa said.
He added that the country owed the prospective corps members a duty of protection, commending security personnel for ensuring their safe return.
Marwa, a retired military officer serving under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, said successful security operations deserved public recognition to encourage the agencies to sustain their efforts against criminal networks.
According to him, highlighting such achievements would help build public confidence in the country’s security institutions and recognise the sacrifices of personnel working to protect lives and property.
The NDLEA boss also acknowledged other successful rescue operations carried out by security agencies across the country in recent months, which he said had secured the freedom of abducted victims and restored hope to affected families.
He maintained that the latest operation demonstrated the importance of unity, intelligence gathering and collaboration among security institutions in confronting kidnapping and other violent crimes.
“Every life rescued is a triumph for our collective resolve. These operations show that criminals cannot outrun a determined and united security architecture,” he said.
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Marwa urged the security agencies to sustain the momentum and strengthen their cooperation to prevent further abductions and improve the safety of Nigerians.
The NDLEA chairman reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting other security organisations through intelligence-sharing and joint operations, particularly in tackling the links between illicit drugs and violent crime.
He noted that drug trafficking and substance abuse often contribute to criminal activities, including kidnapping and banditry, stressing that disrupting drug supply networks remained an important component of the broader national security effort.
“Where drugs flow, insecurity thrives,” Marwa said, adding that the NDLEA would continue working with sister agencies to dismantle networks that finance and fuel criminality.
He called on Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist investigations, prevent crimes and facilitate the rescue of victims.
Marwa also wished the rescued prospective corps members a speedy recovery and a full reunion with their families, expressing hope that the operation would encourage further progress in the fight against insecurity.
The rescue highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing kidnapping and other security threats, while renewed collaboration between law enforcement and intelligence organisations remains central to efforts to protect vulnerable Nigerians.
