FG opens first NDLEA barracks in Adamawa
FG opens first NDLEA barracks in Adamawa
The Federal Government on Tuesday, inaugurated barracks for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Adamawa State.
The barracks is the first for the anti-drug agency since its establishment. According to a statement by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, he said the barracks would provide office and residential accommodation for officers, men and women of the anti-narcotics body.
NDLEA, Femi Babafemi
Babafemi stated that during the inauguration, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the facility was an investment in human Capital.
He said the AGF urged the personnel of the agency to work to eradicate substance abuse in society.
“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.
“I would like to re-assure of my continued commitment to supporting the work that you do. This is based on my conviction of the intersection between justice and law enforcement, ” Fagbemi was quoted as saying.
In his remarks, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (retd) emphasised 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 emphasise the urgency of providing secure housing for our personnel.”
Speaking on the project, Marwa said, “This facility, situated on an 18-hectare site in Kwanan Waya, reflects our commitment to the safety, welfare, and operational efficiency of our personnel.
The Yola 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,” he added.
