PSC enlists NDLEA to conduct mandatory drug tests for police recruits

In a significant move aimed at fortifying the integrity and effectiveness of Nigeria’s police force, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has officially sought the collaborative expertise of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to implement mandatory drug integrity tests for all prospective police recruits.

This critical partnership underscores a shared commitment to ensuring that only mentally sound and drug-free individuals are entrusted with law enforcement duties.

DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), Chairman of the Police Service Commission, led a high-level delegation to the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to formalize this crucial request.

During his meeting with Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Argungu emphasized the paramount importance of a rigorous screening process from the onset of police recruitment.

“If the process and procedures were followed wrongly, the end result or product is going to be bad,” Argungu asserted, highlighting the PSC’s unwavering dedication to cultivating a police force of the highest caliber. He articulated the inherent dangers of arming individuals who may be dependent on illicit drugs, stressing that such a scenario poses agrave threat to public safety and the reputation of the police service.

The PSC Chairman further explained that the planned screening exercise would be decentralized across various states of the federation, strategically leveraging the NDLEA’s widespread presence and operational capacity.

Because there is NDLEA in every state of the country, we want them to assist us in screening those who are already on drugs in whatever form because we can’t churn out and put arms in the hands of people already dependent on illicit drugs, that is dangerous.

This is the main reason why we are here, and we are thanking you for your cooperation,” Argungu stated.

In his comprehensive response, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) acknowledged the pervasive nature of the drug scourge, noting its detrimental impact on every facet of national life and its direct correlation with escalating security challenges.

He underscored the necessity for all stakeholders to adopt a “whole of government and society approach” in tackling this menace.

“On your request for drug integrity test for new police recruits, we are delighted about this and we’re happy to collaborate with you on this,” Marwa affirmed.

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He reassured the PSC of the NDLEA’s readiness and capability, confirming that the agency is equipped with high-quality test kits across all its commands nationwide, designed to deliver accurate results and circumvent any attempts by candidates to manipulate urine samples.

“In all, you can rest assured we’ll be glad to work with you and support you on this,” the NDLEA boss concluded, solidifying the agency’s commitment to the collaborative effort.

This significant partnership between the PSC and NDLEA marks a pivotal step towards building a more disciplined, professionally competent, and drug-free police force in Nigeria, ultimately enhancing public trust and national security.