Toba Owojaiye ReportingÂ
Allegations of nepotism and a decline in recruitment standards have surfaced at Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), headed by its Director-General, Buba Marwa. On Thursday, October 20, 2023, a graduation ceremony at the NDLEA Academy raised eyebrows as several recruits, including minors and a hunchback, passed out.
Critics claim that these recruits do not meet the agency’s traditional standards, with concerns that nepotism may be prioritized over competence and national inclusion. The recruits are reportedly from the northern region of Nigeria, and this has fueled suspicions of regional bias in the recruitment process.
General Buba Marwa, who has earned recognition for his efforts in combating drug trafficking, is now facing scrutiny over the integrity of the NDLEA’s recruitment procedures. This controversy has sparked a debate on whether the agency’s recruitment practices are compromising the nation’s security and the fight against drug trafficking.
As investigations continue into the allegations, many are left questioning the future of NDLEA under Marwa’s leadership and the need for transparent and equitable recruitment processes in critical law enforcement agencies.