The Federal Government on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, commissioned the first-ever barracks for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Yola, Adamawa State, marking a significant milestone 35 years after the agency's establishment. The newly inaugurated facility, designed to provide office and residential accommodation for NDLEA personnel, was described as a critical investment in their welfare and a call to higher responsibility.

Speaking at the event, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), emphasized the importance of the project, stating that it was not merely a physical structure but a testament to the Tinubu administration’s commitment to equipping law enforcement agencies with the necessary resources to combat drug abuse and trafficking. He noted that the fight against drug abuse is a battle for the nation’s future, one that protects the youth from the devastating effects of substance abuse while also tackling the violence that often accompanies drug-related crimes.

“The role of NDLEA in our society cannot be overstated. The fight against drug abuse is a fight for our nation’s future. This barracks is more than a place of residence; it is a fortress of resilience and a beacon of hope,” Fagbemi said. He urged NDLEA officers who will inhabit the facility to remain steadfast in their duties, stressing that the investment in their welfare was an expectation for greater commitment.

The Minister also commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the project and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for bringing it to fruition. He acknowledged Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their support in executing the project.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), highlighted the significance of the barracks, especially in protecting officers from threats. He revealed that for 35 years, NDLEA personnel lacked dedicated housing, exposing them and their families to dangers. He lamented that some officers had been trailed to their homes and murdered, emphasizing the urgency of providing secure housing for the agency’s workforce.

“For 35 years, NDLEA personnel lacked dedicated housing, which exposed them and their families to dangers. Tragically, some officers have been targeted and killed at their residences. This project is a response to that risk, ensuring that our personnel can serve with a greater sense of security,” Marwa stated.

Situated on an 18-hectare site in Kwanan Waya, the Yola barracks includes a modern administrative office for the Adamawa State NDLEA Command, detention facilities, and a state-of-the-art exhibit room. It also comprises watchtowers, operational pavilions, a perimeter fence, and auxiliary facilities such as a generator house, parking spaces, and a parade ground. The residential section features lodges for state and zonal commanders, along with 80 one-bedroom flats, 120 two-bedroom semi-detached flats, and 60 three-bedroom semi-detached flats.

Marwa expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his continued support and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the fight against illicit drugs. He described the barracks as a bold statement of the NDLEA’s determination to build a safer nation while ensuring the well-being of its personnel.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri praised the foresight and commitment of President Tinubu, Marwa, and other stakeholders, describing the barracks as a step toward strengthening security and combating drug-related crimes. He said the establishment of the facility was not just about bricks and mortar but a collective resolve to safeguard the country’s prosperity from the dangers of illicit drugs.

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by AIG Rex Dundun, also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting law enforcement agencies, urging NDLEA personnel to continue their tireless efforts in safeguarding the nation. He commended the NDLEA leadership for its commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, and the House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Narcotic Drugs, Hon. Abass Adigun (represented by Hon. Idris Dankawu), stressed the need for adequate funding and improved working conditions for NDLEA personnel. Dankwambo noted that the nature of NDLEA's job requires a balance of humanity, detection, and enforcement, making adequate motivation essential for its workforce.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, National Assembly members from Adamawa State, and traditional rulers. The establishment of the NDLEA barracks in Yola is expected to enhance the agency’s operational efficiency while providing officers with a safe and secure environment to live and work.