‘This is duty, not idiotic’ – Ogun NDLEA Commander fires back at Sowore
NDLEA Commander Responds to Sowore’s Criticism of Anti-Drug Operations
The Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ogun State, Tijjani Rabe, has issued a statement addressing criticism from human rights activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore regarding the agency’s anti-drug operations.
Rabe emphasized that effective leadership cannot be established on the foundation of insults directed at institutions that “sacrifice daily for this country.” His remarks follow Sowore’s criticism posted on social media platform X, where he condemned the NDLEA’s destruction of cannabis farms, referring to the plant as an economically viable crop.
In his post, Sowore urged the government to legalize and regulate cannabis cultivation to leverage its medicinal and industrial benefits, instead of obliterating it. He described the NDLEA’s actions as counterproductive, particularly as Nigeria faces widespread poverty. “It is idiotic for the NDLEA to wake up, put on uniforms, march into farms, and set economically viable crops worth millions of dollars ablaze,” he stated.
In response, Rabe pointed out that, despite Sowore’s remarks, the public is aware of the NDLEA’s achievements over the past five years, which include significant seizures of illicit drugs aimed at preventing them from reaching communities.
“The NDLEA did not wake up and decide to set farms ablaze for sport. We act on a clear mandate given to us by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Rabe said. He further remarked, “You cannot seek to be Commander-in-Chief and in the same breath denigrate the men and women who serve under that command.”
Rabe noted that beyond enforcement, the NDLEA has counseled and rehabilitated thousands of young Nigerians and dismantled transnational cartels involved in kidnapping and drug trafficking. He suggested that those who disagree with existing laws should pursue legislative changes rather than resorting to insults.
“If you disagree with the law, the democratic path is to sponsor a bill to change it. Not to resort to abuse. NDLEA, and indeed all law enforcement agencies, deserve better, especially from those who aspire to lead,” he stated.
Rabe acknowledged the ongoing challenges of poverty, but warned against exacerbating issues related to addiction, mental illness, and insecurity linked to illicit drugs. He expressed concerns about the potential consequences of legalization without proper regulation, citing Canada’s ongoing struggles with the illicit market even after legalizing cannabis.
With regard to Nigeria’s regulatory capacity, Rabe asserted that many of the cannabis farms Sowore mentioned are associated with armed groups linked to violence and trafficking. “To legalize now is to hand legitimacy to those same networks. You do not defeat poverty by empowering cartels,” he said.
He called for government investment in laboratories, rehabilitation centers, and cooperatives to ensure a safe and sustainable cannabis industry before any potential legalization.
“Until that foundation exists, NDLEA will continue to do what the law demands of us: interdict, destroy, and save lives,” Rabe affirmed. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the millions of Nigerians who continue to support the agency’s work.
