Crime
FG sets aside over N500m to tackle illicit drugs
The Federal Executive Council (FEC)has approved N580.5 million for the procurement of four armoured vehicles to fight dangerous and illicit drugs by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami made this known to State House correspondents at the end of the Council’s meeting which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said: “Today, a memo was presented by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, that is the Federal Ministry of Justice, which was relating to a parastatal under the supervision of the office of the Attorney General; the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
READ ALSO: Cocaine bust: Marwa rewriting history in NDLEA
“The purpose of the memo was to seek approval of the council for the award of contract for the supply of four customised armoured security vehicles of 14 seater model for the NDLEA.
“The contract sum is N580, 500, 000 only inclusive of 7.5 percent value added tax with a delivery period of 16 weeks.”
The Minister said the decision to procure the armoured vehicles was taken to encourage and safeguard the lives of NDLEA personnel who have been working very hard with impressive results being recorded.
It is common knowledge that of recent the NDLEA has been repositioned and arising from the support both in terms of our capacity building, hardware and associated things.
“They have been recording an extra-ordinary or unprecedented success. Recently they seized about 1.8 tons of cocaine having a market value of about N194 billion.
“So, with all these successes recorded, it is only logical that the criminals and their syndicate are now devising means inclusive of attacks on NDLEA personnel.
”It is with that in mind that the memo was presented for the procurement of such vehicles for the NDLEA and the council approved,” he said.
According to him, between January and July 2022 the NDLEA arrested 18,940 suspects with 2,904 convictions.
-
Latest6 days agoLagos NURTW organising secretary Toba Ajiboye dies after gunmen attack
-
Business1 week agoNCC chief highlights trust as key to Nigeria’s digital transformation
-
Aviation7 days agoNCAA, NAMA disagree over proposed revenue sharing formula
-
Business6 days agoNCC unveils cost-sharing framework to boost broadband rollout, end repeated road excavations
-
Maritime7 days agoLicensed port agents back FG’s Green Tax on imported vehicles
-
Business3 days agoCBN targets $12bn annual Diaspora inflows to boost FX liquidity
-
Politics7 days agoAjeromi: NDC vows even distribution of prosperity amongst Nigerians
-
Business3 days agoSEC launches nationwide campaign to help investors recover unclaimed dividends