Francis Ameh Igonoh, a Superintendent of Narcotics for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has won the esteemed International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Outstanding Operational Success Award for 2024.
This was stated in a statement released on Friday by Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja.
According to Babafemi, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, authorized Igonoh’s special promotion as a token of gratitude.
During a brief ceremony, Igonoh announced the officer’s accelerated promotion reward and gave the NDLEA boss the award certificates. Marwa complimented him for making the Agency and Nigeria proud.
Read Also:
He said, “You have distinguished yourself in our concerted effort to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria and as such the global recognition of our role in dismantling fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine cartels clearly typifies enhanced intelligence and we can’t but equally appreciate the support of the Drug Enforcement Administration of the United States in this regard.
“I will like to also add that with this international recognition, you are not just a pride to yourself, your family but the Agency and the nation as a whole. The sacrifice of a narcotic officer cannot be quantified in gold or silver, for he is fulfilling a higher calling. As we go about our duty of securing our society against the corrosion of illicit drugs, we should be aware that we are the direct beneficiaries of our work because for every kilo of drugs seized, we are making our streets and society safer for our children, family and kinsmen.
“This is why NDLEA is proud of its workforce; the Agency treasures the effort of its officers, men and women; the management shall continue to look out for their best interest and we shall continue to reward hard work and excellence.”
Marwa stated that in order to further support the officer and his peers, he has approved his promotion to the rank of Assistant Commander of Narcotics. This is because the officer has demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication, and professionalism—qualities that have earned him recognition on a global scale.
The NDLEA officer was commended and told that the recognition was well-deserved in the award certificate, which was signed by Harward Lampley, Director, West Africa Regional Training Center, according to the statement.
“Your commitment to utilizing the skills and techniques acquired from the ILEA training has contributed to combating drug trafficking in the region. This feat is a testament of your dedication, hard work, and excellence in efforts to counter Transnational Organised Crime. The West Africa Regional Training Center (RTC) and the ILEA Program appreciate your significant contributions in promoting regional and global security”, the award certificate reads.
