ASHENEWS reports that an officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has emerged as the 2024 winner of the prestigious International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Outstanding Operational Success Award.
The officer, Francis Igonoh is a Superintendent of Narcotics at the NDLEA.
Speaking during a brief ceremony on Friday, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Buba Marwa announced the accelerated promotion reward for the officer when he presented the award certificates to the NDLEA boss.
Marwa while extolling the virtues of the officer said that his dedication, commitment to work and professionalism won him global recognition.
The NDLEA boss equally approved the promotion of the officer to the rank of Assistant Commander of Narcotics to further encourage him and his peers.
Marwa who commended him for doing the Agency and Nigeria proud urged all the agency’s personnel to remain committed to their duty.
“You have distinguished yourself in our concerted effort to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria and as such the global recognition of our role in dismantling fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine cartels clearly typifies enhanced intelligence and we can’t but equally appreciate the support of the Drug Enforcement Administration of the United States in this regard.
“I will like to also add that with this international recognition, you are not just a pride to yourself, your family but the Agency and the nation as a whole. The sacrifice of a narcotic officer cannot be quantified in gold or silver, for he is fulfilling a higher calling. As we go about our duty of securing our society against the corrosion of illicit drugs, we should be aware that we are the direct beneficiaries of our work because for every kilo of drugs seized, we are making our streets and society safer for our children, family and kinsmen.”
The NDLEA boss assured that the management shall continue to look out for the best interest of its personnel and would continue to reward hard work and excellence.
The award certificate signed by Harward Lampley, Director, West Africa Regional Training Center, commended the NDLEA officer, saying the recognition was well deserved.
“Your commitment to utilizing the skills and techniques acquired from the ILEA training has contributed to combatting drug trafficking in the region. This feat is a testament of your dedication, hard work, and excellence in efforts to counter Transnational Organised Crime. The West Africa Regional Training Center (RTC) and the ILEA Program appreciate your significant contributions in promoting regional and global security,” the award certificate reads.
