NDLEA dismisses allegations of lopsided appointments, nepotism

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismissed as baseless allegations of nepotism and favoritism in the appointment of its Directors, Commanders, and other top officials.

In a statement on Thursday, the Agency’s spokesman, Mr. Femi Babafemi, refuted claims made in some social media posts suggesting that high-ranking positions are being awarded in favor of Northern Muslims over Southern Christians.

The Agency clarified, “Out of the 20 Directors/Commandants in NDLEA, 14 are Christians and 6 are Muslims. Of the 14 Zonal Commanders, 9 are Christians and 5 are Muslims. Out of 37 State Commanders, 19 are Christians and 18 are Muslims.

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Among the 14 Special Area Commanders, 10 are Christians and 4 are Muslims. Of the 12 Coordinators/Heads of Units, 9 are Christians and 3 are Muslims. Finally, of the 11 Heads of Operations, 7 are Christians and 4 are Muslims.”

“In total, out of the 108 top appointments and positions in the Agency, 68 are occupied by Christians and 40 by Muslims, representing a ratio of 63% to 37%. This counters the false narrative being propagated by some individuals,” the statement added.

The Agency assured the public that its leadership remains focused and committed to addressing substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking while upholding fairness, equity, and merit in its workforce distribution.