The State Commander of the NDLEA, Lagos Strategic Command has charged officers to renew their commitment to protecting communities and ensuring a drug-free Nigeria.
Speaking at the annual senior officers’ training and retreat in Lagos on Wednesday, the Commander emphasized the importance of continuous growth and collaboration in tackling the complex challenges of drug law enforcement and community safety.
“This gathering provides a crucial opportunity for us to reflect on our achievements, contemplate our challenges, and renew our commitment to our noble mission,” he said.
Over the next few days, participants will engage in comprehensive training sessions, workshops, and discussions designed to enhance operational effectiveness.
The Commander concluded by urging officers to strengthen their resolve, saying, “Together, let us protect our communities and ensure a drug-free Nigeria.”
At the training, Dr. Segun Oke, a retired Deputy Controller General of Narcotics, emphasized the importance of mentoring in law enforcement.
Oke while giving his lectures on Mentoring said it will enhance the performance of law enforcement officers, increase their confidence levels, and improve their overall productivity.
Dr. Oke, who recently retired from service after a distinguished career encouraged participants to adopt mentoring skills, emphasizing that it is a crucial tool for personal and professional development.
Also, Abdul Momodu, a retired Deputy Controller General of Narcotics, emphasized the importance of respecting human rights during law enforcement operations.
Speaking during a lecture, Momodu stressed that law enforcement agencies must adhere to the law and treat suspects with dignity. “You cannot keep human beings in a cell and claim you don’t have money to feed them,” he said.
Momodu highlighted the distinction between cells and prisons, noting that cells are meant for temporary detention, while prisons are designed for long-term incarceration. He emphasized that the law mandates law enforcement agencies to detain suspects for no more than 24 hours, with a maximum extension of 72 hours.
Regarding the military’s role in law enforcement, Momodu clarified that while the military has the power to detain people, they are not a law enforcement agency. He stressed that the police are the lead agency for internal security and should give directives on operations.
Momodu’s lecture aimed to educate law enforcement agents on the importance of respecting human rights and adhering to the law. He hopes that the training will lead to better service delivery and treatment of suspects.
When asked about his objectives, Momodu replied, “We expect better service delivery from our officers. We expect better treatment of the people they have to arrest. It’s not a choice; it’s the law.”
