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  • The NDLEA Ranks and Salary Structure in Nigeria

    The Nigerian Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is one of the most prominent paramilitary agencies in the country. They’re tasked with eliminating the processing, manufacturing, selling, exporting, distribution, trafficking and usage of hard drugs in Nigeria.

    Officials are usually stationed at international and state borders, airports, highways, seaports and on regular roads, carrying out random searches based on tip-offs. The NDLEA recruits new officials annually. But before you join the paramilitary agency, you should probably know about the available NDLEA ranks and salary structure.

    NDLEA salary structure

    The anti-narcotics agency uses the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS) — the official salary scale for paramilitary agencies in Nigeria — in its ranking and salary structure.

    NDLEA ranks

    It’s divided into two categories: Commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers.

    NDLEA commissioned officers

    The NDLEA Ranks and Salary Structure in Nigeria

    Officers in this category hold the highest ranks within the agency. They’re recruited based on their academic qualifications.

    Commander-General of Narcotics (CGN)

    This is the highest rank of the NDLEA. The CGN is mostly appointed by the president.

    Commander-General of Narcotics (CGN)

    Officers in this rank play crucial leadership roles within the NDLEA and assist the CGN with the agency’s overall operations and administration.

    Commander of Narcotics

    Officers in this rank provide overall leadership and direction within the agency. They’re also tasked with overseeing the implementation of anti-drug initiatives at the national level.

    Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DCN)

    These officers are involved with strategic planning and decision-making within the agency. DCNs work closely with the Commander of Narcotics to help formulate policies and develop strategies to combat drug trafficking.

    Chief Superintendent of Narcotics

    Officers in this rank hold supervisory roles within the NDLEA. They lead the narcotics division in the agency, liaise with other law enforcement agencies and provide leadership to subordinate officers.

    Superintendent of Narcotics

    They’re mid-level commissioned officers tasked with overseeing operational activities within their assigned units. They lead teams of officers in drug enforcement operations and ensure compliance with agency policies and procedures.

    Superintendent of Narcotics

    Officers in this rank work closely with the Superintendent of Narcotics to lead and manage the work of the narcotics division. They also coordinate and supervise the work of lower-ranking officers.

    Salary: ₦205,673 (CONPASS 10)

    Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics (ASN)

    Officers in this rank are typically entry-level commissioned officers in the NDLEA. They assist senior officers in enforcing drug laws, and participating in raids and investigations. ASNs also engage in community outreach programs.

    Salary: ₦151,739 (CONPASS 9)

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    NDLEA non-commissioned officers (NCO)

    The NDLEA Ranks and Salary Structure in Nigeria

    Officers in this category occupy the lower ranks within the NDLEA. NCOs are ranked based on their qualification during recruitment. They are mostly SSCE, ND and HND certificate holders.

    Chief Narcotics Agent

    This is the highest rank in the NCO category of the NDLEA. Chief Narcotic Agents hold supervisory positions within the agency. They supervise and monitor junior personnel, and plan and execute drug raid operations, among other responsibilities.

    Salary: ₦110,743 (CONPASS 7)

    Senior Narcotics Agent (SNA)

    SNAs lead enforcement activities within the agency. They are also tasked with conducting investigations and providing training to junior officers.

    Salary: ₦90,456 (CONPASS 6)

    Senior Narcotics Assistant

    They provide support to higher-ranking officers and supervise junior assistants. They also maintain records and assist with administrative tasks within the agency.

    Narcotic Agents

    Officers within this rank conduct patrols, investigations, raids and arrests. They also gather intelligence, handle evidence and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies.

    Salary: ₦54,746 (CONPASS 5)

    Narcotic Assistant

    They are entry-level officers within the NDLEA. They work with commissioned officers in enforcement activities, conducting patrols and participating in drug raids and arrests.

    Enjoyed reading about the NDLEA ranks and salary structure? Read this next: 5 Students, 1 Question: Why Did You Start Taking Drugs?

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

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  • 7 Things You Should Know About Nitrous Oxide AKA Balloon Gas

    Brigadier General Buba Marwa, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is clamping down on the recreational use and sale of nitrous oxide (N20) AKA “Balloon Gas” across the country.

    7 Things You Should Know About Nitrous Oxide AKA Balloon Gas

    Source: RehabsUK

    Here are seven key things to note about nitrous oxide according to a user, a seller and a medical expert.

    Nitrous oxide is sold in canisters

    7 Things You Should Know About Nitrous Oxide AKA Balloon Gas

    Source: UbuyNigeria

    “There are different sizes, but you’ll always find them in canisters that look just like the one for insecticide or spray polish for shoes.”

    You need balloons

    7 Things You Should Know About Nitrous Oxide AKA Balloon Gas

    “The gas cannot be ingested directly from the canister, and that’s why you need balloons. The balloon is fitted around the valve of the canister and N20 is pumped inside. You can pump as much gas as you want depending on the size of the balloon. It’s the balloon you see people suck on at parties or clubs. ”

    Ingesting from the canisters will hurt you

    7 Things You Should Know About Nitrous Oxide AKA Balloon Gas

    “You’ll get hurt if you attempt to ingest N20 directly from the canister. The gas is sealed under high pressure, so when it’s released for use, it’s extremely cold. You’ll get frostbite from direct contact.”

    It’s expensive

    “The first time I tried it was at a nightclub, and I remember we paid as much as ₦50k for a can similar to a large-size insecticide. That’s a lot compared to weed which is like ₦5k for a wrap of Canadian loud and ₦100-₦200 for the locally grown type. But I was with friends and it was easy to split the bill. Alone, I’ll put a lot of thought into spending that much.

    It’s a different kind of high

    “I knew I felt good and really calm after taking it, but I was really drowsy. I also felt this weakness in my bones, but I was still able to enjoy the party and have a great time. The feeling eventually wore off because I had just one balloon.”

    It’s anaesthesia for surgical patients

    “No one in their right mind should be ingesting nitrous oxide without a prescription from medical personnel or supervision at the very least. This is because it is an anaesthesia that’s mostly used on patients during surgical operations. Even then, it’s not administered alone because it can lead to loss of life. The patient is also given oxygen. The recommended dosage for surgery is 20 ppm (parts per million).”

    There’s an abundance of health risks

    “Prolonged and unsupervised use can cause serious damage to the brain, resulting in memory loss. Users can also experience side effects like heart attacks, a sharp drop in blood pressure and sudden loss of life.

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

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  • World Drug Day: In Nigeria, “On Colos” Takes Over

    In Nigeria, the agency tasked with combating the use and sale of hard drugs is the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). It recently intercepted loads of “Colos”, a psychotropic drug rapidly gaining popularity among young people. 

    The United Nations marks today, June 26, as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The NDLEA is also on a national campaign to stop drug abuse, especially as it has become increasingly common to see videos of Nigerians, specifically young people, exhibiting erratic behaviour and losing control of their actions due to the influence of the drug known as Colorado.

    Colorado has swept across the country with a street lingo known as Colos. We’ve explored a worrying trend with cocaine trafficking. In this article, we’ll look at Colos and what science says about it.

    What is Colos?

    Colos is a drug that comes from a synthetic mixture. It contains heavy metals laced with chemicals, with weed as a mixture. Colos is unsafe for human consumption.  

    Colos has other names like “Black Mamba”, “Potpourri”, “Arizona”, “Lamba” (when mixed with “Loud”), and “Scooby Snax”.

    What are the health hazards of using Colos?

    Colos is ingested to mimic the effect of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in marijuana, which gives off the feeling of being high. However, it does more than that; it often sends users into a frenzy. The chemicals used in making Colos are banned substances smuggled into Nigeria. 

    Olabintan Odunola, a medical doctor and Team Lead at The Health City shared her insights on the drug:

    “Using drugs, including the widely acclaimed Colorado, has been made to look cool, and therefore many young people are attracted to using them, consequences be damned. Health risks involved in using synthetic cannabinoids like Colorado include feelings of lightheadedness, dizziness, confusion, and tiredness; feeling excited, agitated, and aggressive mood swings; anxiety and paranoia; suicidal thoughts; memory problems and amnesia; nausea and vomiting; hot flushes; increased heart rate and blood pressure, which may cause chest pains, damage your heart, and even cause a heart attack; excessive sweating fingers, toes, or muscles; feeling numb and tingly tremors; seizures; and even death. 

    Today, on International Day of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the onus is on us to continue educating young people that drug abuse always comes with a price and is not worth the hype.”

    On social media, there are several videos of Nigerian youths reacting violently after using the drug. In 2022, a special report by Punch revealed a drug user going berserk by uncontrollably slamming his head against a plank. In 2020, Guardian reported that a teenager died after smoking the drug. 

    The potency of the drug is well-known and has entered street slang. The phrase “On Colos” means a person acting under the influence of drugs.

    What else should you know?

    Nigerian laws frown upon illicit drug use. Beyond that, however, it’s clear that Colos contains chemicals that can have long-term damaging effects. The safest recourse is to avoid it and other related banned substances entirely.  

    This year’s World Drug Day theme is “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.” If you or anyone you know is struggling with substance abuse, the NDLEA has provided an extensive list of NGOs focused on rehabilitation that you can contact. Avail yourself of this opportunity today, and let’s bring the Colos pandemic to a halt.

    Download the Citizen Election Report: Navigating Nigeria’s Political Journey

    Stephen Agwaibor

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  • Tramadol Heist: Abba Kyari Has Done It Again!

    It’s impossible to stop thinking about how much DCP Abba Kyari’s life feels like a movie written by someone who hates him. Ever since he was first suspended from the Police Force in July 2021 over suspected fraud, he’s become the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to controversies. 

    Abba Kyari is too synonymous with scandal these days

    Every new twist to Kyari’s story feels like something written by someone high on energy drinks at 3 a.m. on a Tuesday. The author of his story is now bored and distressed and just throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks.

    Kyari has already been accused of aiding fraud and trafficking cocaine. Even the United States wants him to be extradited from Nigeria to answer for his crimes. How much more interesting can he get as a character? Every time that you think he’s reached his limit, the man says, “Hold my beer.”

    Abba Kyari is too synonymous with scandal these days

    ALSO READ: Narcos Nigeria: The Curious Case of Abba Kyari

    What has Abba Kyari done again?

    Let’s not forget that Abba Kyari has been a special guest of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and later Kuje Correctional Centre since he was arrested in February 2022. The NDLEA accused him of seizing 25 kg of cocaine from traffickers before he sold off most of it and pocketed the money. He’s already been arraigned in court for that offence. This is him during every court appearance since then:

    Abba Kyari is too synonymous with scandal these days

    The NDLEA returned to the public on April 25th 2022 to announce that cocaine wasn’t the only drug Kyari was peddling. The new story is that he made a large number of seized tramadol cartons disappear.

    What’s the tea?

    On April 25th 2022, the NDLEA announced the arrest of Afam Mallinson Ukatu. The suspect was trying to travel from Lagos to Abuja on April 13th 2022 when he was stopped. Ukatu is the chairman of Mallinson Group of Companies, which is a respectable, honest job. But the NDLEA accused him of running a side business of importing tramadol hydrochloride ranging from 120mg to 250mg, which is illegal. Ukatu was basically the yin and yang of pharmaceutics.

    Ukatu allegedly used his pharmaceutical and plastic manufacturing companies to cover the massive importation of the illicit drugs. The NDLEA also accused him of running 103 bank accounts to launder money. If all that’s true, then he’s clearly been a very busy man.

    If you’re starting to wonder how any of this concerns Abba Kyari, let’s rewind the tape a little.

    Back in May 2021, two of Ukatu’s staff, Pius Enidom and Sunday Ibekwete, were trying to sell five cartons of tramadol 225mg. Unfortunately for them, their buyers were undercover agents of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT). 

    Abba Kyari was the leader of the IRT in May 2021. This sting operation happened just weeks before he was first exposed as a suspected fraud and money launderer.

    Kyari’s team made the suspects show them a warehouse in Lagos where 197 more cartons of illicit tramadol were found. Just plain, honest police work. But this is an Abba Kyari production we’re talking about, so you can bet on a twist. 

    Abba Kyari is too synonymous with scandal these days

    Let’s do some maths. Abba Kyari’s team seized a total of 202 cartons of tramadol from Ukatu’s team. The NDLEA said that haul was worth over ₦3 billion. But when Kyari’s team transferred the case to the NDLEA three weeks later, there were only 12 cartons. That means 190 cartoons went missing in three weeks. Those cartons are worth billions.

    The NDLEA has no idea where those cartons went.

    Abba Kyari is too synonymous with scandal these days

    Is this even about Abba Kyari?

    The short answer is no.

    Nowhere in the NDLEA’s statement did the agency actually directly connect Kyari with this new crime of disappearing cartons. Nothing was personally attributed to him, only that he was the leader of the IRT at the time of the magical disappearance. The NDLEA plastering his name all over the statement that’s really about Ukatu’s arrest is simply a game of clickbait.

    But with how notorious he’s got over the past year, whatever they say Abba Kyari did, who are we to question it?

    ALSO READ: What’s Abba Kyari’s Future?

    Samson Toromade

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