NDLEA Demonstrates Enhanced Operational Readiness in Lagos • Holds Simulation Exercise to Showcase LSSTF Protective Gear
By Oki O. Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper
The Lagos State Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday 20th June showcased its growing operational readiness with a practical simulation exercise and field deployment conducted immediately after officers were equipped with newly donated bulletproof vests and ballistic helmets from the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). The exercise provided a realistic demonstration of the agency’s preparedness to confront the risks and challenges associated with anti-narcotics operations in one of Nigeria’s busiest urban environments. The simulation was also designed to test response capabilities, reinforce operational procedures, and familiarize personnel with the use of the newly acquired protective equipment under field conditions.
Leading the exercise was the State Commander of the Lagos State Strategic Command, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, ACGN Abubakar Liman Wali, who had earlier decorated officers with the bulletproof vests and ballistic helmets donated by the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). Following the decoration ceremony which was held at the NDLEA Festac Area Command, officers moved directly into an operational stop-and-search exercise along the Mile 2 Expressway, where trained NDLEA personnel, supported by detective dogs, conducted vehicle searches and recovered exhibits as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illicit drug trafficking activities within the state.
Speaking after the exercise, Wali expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Executive Secretary/CEO of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, for the donation, noting that the equipment would significantly improve officer safety and operational effectiveness. “This will serve as a morale booster,” Wali said. “The kind of job we do comes with risk and hazard. Now we have some element of safety. I’m very sure officers are motivated, and you saw it. They will improve on the good job we’re doing in Lagos.”
The Commander noted that some criminally vulnerable areas have traditionally required additional security support before enforcement operations could be carried out effectively. “There are some areas we had to be extra prepared to enter, sometimes seeking support from other security agencies. With this equipment, I’m assuring those areas: get prepared, we are ready for them now,” he stated.
Wali also used the occasion to commend the Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd) for his sustained commitment to strengthening officer welfare, operational capacity, and institutional reforms across the agency. He disclosed that additional detective dogs are expected to be deployed to Lagos before the end of the year, further enhancing the Command’s operational capabilities.
By moving directly from equipment deployment to field simulation and enforcement activity, the NDLEA Lagos Command has sent a clear message that enhanced welfare, training, and logistics support remain critical components in the fight against drug trafficking and related crimes.
