NDLEA Defends Mandate Amid Sowore’s Insults, Debate On Cannabis Policy

MICHAEL AKINOLA

The Ogun State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, CN Tijjani Rabe, has responded to comments by activist and politician Omoyele Sowore regarding the agency’s operations and Nigeria’s drug policy.

In a statement, Rabe said leadership is not built on insults to institutions that sacrifice daily for this country.

“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,” he said.

Rabe noted that over the last five years, NDLEA has made “monumental seizures of illicit drugs,” which he said stopped tons of substances from reaching homes, schools, barracks, and motor parks.

He added that beyond enforcement, the agency has counseled and rehabilitated thousands of young Nigerians and dismantled transnational cartels linked to drug proceeds, kidnapping, banditry, and arms.

“You cannot seek to be Commander-in-Chief and in the same breath denigrate the men and women who serve under that command,” Rabe stated, referring to Sowore’s presidential aspirations.

He advised that disagreements with existing laws should be addressed through democratic processes.

“If you disagree with the law, the democratic path is to sponsor a bill to change it. Not to resort to abuse,” he said.

Addressing calls for the legalization of cannabis, the commander said Nigeria must first consider its regulatory capacity, institutions, and social realities.

“Before advocating for the legalization of cannabis, we must first interrogate our environment, our institutions, and our realities. What works elsewhere will not automatically work here,” he said.

Rabe argued that legalization without strong systems for tracking, prescription monitoring, laboratories, and rehabilitation centers will only expand the black market.

He cited Canada as an example where an illicit market persists years after legalization.

He further stated that many cannabis farms in Nigeria are controlled by “armed networks linked to trafficking and violence,” adding “To legalize now is to hand legitimacy to those same networks. You do not defeat poverty by empowering cartels.”

Instead of immediate legalization, Rabe advocated for investment in medical research and alternative development for farmers.

“If the goal is to build an industry, then let us start by funding the labs, the rehab centers, and the cooperatives that will make it safe and sustainable,” he said.

“Until that foundation exists, NDLEA will continue to do what the law demands of us: interdict, destroy, and save lives. That is not ‘idiotic’, Sir. That is duty.” Rabe told Sowore.

The commander then said the agency would “excuse the tone” and expressed appreciation for public support for NDLEA’s work.

The exchange comes amid ongoing national debate on drug policy, enforcement, poverty, and security in Nigeria.