By Ibironke Ariyo
The Police Service Commission (PSC) is seeking the support of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in conducting drug integrity tests for police recruits across the country.
The PSC Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, made the request when he led a delegation of the PSC management on a courtesy visit to NDLEA on Tuesday in Abuja.
In a statement by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi on Tuesday in Abuja, Argungu said that the request came with a view to ensuring that those with the right frame of mind eventually make it out of police training colleges across the country.
Argungu commended the leadership of NDLEA for the support so far received, saying that his visit was to seek further assistance.
“This is because we follow processes and procedures in anything we do so that we can produce the best results.
“If the process and procedures were followed wrongly, the end result or product is going to be bad,” Argungu said.
He said the commission would decentralise its screening of recruits across Nigeria and would need the support of the NDLEA in every state.
“We want them to assist us in screening those who are already on drugs in whatever form.
“This is because we can’t churn out and put arms in the hands of people already dependent on illicit drugs, that is dangerous.”
In his response, the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa noted that the drug scourge was a challenge affecting every part of national life and propelling security challenges.
Marwa said this explains why there was need for all stakeholders to embrace a whole of government and society approach to curbing the menace.
“On your request for a drug integrity test for new police recruits, we are delighted about this and we’re happy to collaborate with you on this.
“We are prepared across all our commands all over the country with high quality test kits that will give you the right results.
“This is important because candidates play all manner of tricks with urine samples but our kits are produced to detect all of those.
“In all, you can rest assured we’ll be glad to work with you and support you on this”, the NDLEA boss maintained.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)