The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has formally begun the induction of AK-47 rifles and advanced pistols into its operations, 36 years after the Agency was established. Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), inaugurated a specialized Train-the-Trainer Course on Weapon Handling for the AK-47 Rifle Type 56-1 and HS-9/CF98A Pistols on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the NDLEA Academy, Jos. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Col. Murtala Aminu, Marwa said the move reflects the new reality of fighting armed, organised drug cartels and is aimed at protecting officers and the public.
Marwa thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for backing the Agency’s operational upgrade and the Office of the National Security Adviser for providing the initial firearms and ammunition to start training. He said procurement began in 2023 with China North Industries Corporation, NORINCO, and thousands of arms and ammunition are scheduled for imminent delivery under an approved distribution plan, with the Nigerian Air Force supporting airlift to commands nationwide. The Jos course will produce pioneer master trainers who will return to their formations to run a mandatory one-month training for all personnel before the weapons are deployed.
Charging the first set of trainers, Marwa stressed discipline, safety culture, ethical proficiency, and integrity as non-negotiable. “Weapons handling is not a privilege — it is a grave responsibility… The power that a firearm confers must always be tempered by restraint, judgement, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law,” he said. He added that the arms induction marks a new chapter for an Agency that has recorded unprecedented seizures and dismantled networks, and urged officers to write it “with honour.”
