PSC, NDLEA Partner To Conduct Drug Integrity Screening For Police Recruits

The Police Service Commission (PSC) of Nigeria has requested that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) help administer drug tests to prospective police officers in an effort to strengthen the integrity of the country’s police hiring procedure.

The request was made by PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Argungu emphasized the importance of ensuring that all police recruits are mentally stable and free from drug use, warning that enlisting individuals with drug dependencies could pose a long-term threat to national security.

“We adhere strictly to due process in our recruitment procedures. Allowing unfit individuals into the system from the outset can have dangerous consequences. We cannot risk arming people who are already dependent on illicit substances,” he stated.

He also revealed the PSC’s plans to decentralize the recruitment screening process across the country. Given the NDLEA’s extensive presence nationwide, Argungu said the agency’s involvement would be critical in identifying and eliminating unqualified candidates.

“This visit is to formally seek your partnership. We appreciate the support we’ve already received and look forward to closer collaboration going forward,” he added.

In his response, NDLEA Chairman Marwa welcomed the proposal and expressed strong support for the initiative. He noted that drug abuse is a national issue that affects all sectors and significantly contributes to the country’s security challenges.

“We’re glad to work with you on this. Our offices across the country are equipped with advanced drug testing kits capable of detecting even sophisticated attempts to falsify results,” Marwa assured.

He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s readiness to provide personnel and resources to help ensure that only competent, drug-free individuals are recruited into the police force.

“This effort is both timely and essential for national security. You can count on our full support,” he said.

The meeting signals a renewed spirit of inter-agency collaboration aimed at improving the credibility and effectiveness of Nigeria’s policing system.