By Peter Omopo
Abuja | July 22, 2025 — In a renewed effort to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s police recruitment process, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has sought the collaboration of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct drug integrity tests on prospective police recruits.
The proposal was presented on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Hashimu Argungu, to NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Argungu emphasized the importance of ensuring that only drug-free and mentally fit individuals are admitted into the police force, stressing that recruiting drug-dependent persons poses a serious risk to national security.
“We cannot afford to put arms in the hands of those already dependent on illicit drugs,” Argungu stated. “If bad eggs enter the system from the beginning, the result will be dangerous.”
He noted that the PSC is working to decentralize the screening process across the country, and the NDLEA’s nationwide presence makes it an ideal partner in weeding out unfit candidates.
“This is why we are here — to officially seek your assistance and cooperation,” Argungu said. “We appreciate the support we’ve received so far and look forward to working more closely with your agency.”
In response, Marwa applauded the initiative and pledged the NDLEA’s full support. He noted that substance abuse is a major factor contributing to insecurity across Nigeria and must be addressed at every level of public service recruitment.
“This initiative is timely and critical to national security,” Marwa said. “Our nationwide commands are equipped with high-grade drug testing kits capable of detecting even sophisticated attempts to cheat the process. You can count on our full support.”
He assured the PSC of the agency’s readiness to deploy personnel and resources in support of the recruitment exercise.
The proposed collaboration between the PSC and NDLEA is expected to set a new benchmark for integrity and professionalism in Nigeria’s police recruitment process.
