Sterling Bank Honoured at NDLEA’s Largest Drug Destruction Event
Lagos, Nigeria – As Nigeria intensifies its war on drugs, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recognized Sterling Bank Limited for its strategic and sustained support in combating the scourge of narcotics across the country. The commendation was delivered during the public destruction of over 1.6 million kilograms of seized illicit substances making it the largest quantity ever incinerated by the agency in a single event.
The event held at Ipara along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, served as both a tactical operation and a powerful statement of Nigeria’s deepening crackdown on drug trafficking under the leadership of NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd.). It featured the incineration of a wide range of illicit drugs seized across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States.
Speaking at the ceremony, Brigadier-General Marwa (Retd.) represented by Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, Director of Assets and Financial Investigations praised Sterling Bank for its active partnership in supporting the agency’s mission “I am deeply grateful to Sterling Bank and other stakeholders, including the Nigerian Military, Customs, Police, Civil Defence, Immigration, FRSC, NAFDAC and a host of others for their support, embodying the collaborative spirit necessary for effective drug control in the society.” Abdul noted. “The gravity of today’s destruction reflects not only the scale of the challenge but the level of resolve among partners to face it head-on.”
Mr. Olusanya Adekunle, receiving the award on behalf of Sterling Bank, reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to national development through responsible corporate citizenship. “This recognition echoes our belief that the private sector must play an active role in building a safer, healthier society,” Adekunle said. “Sterling Bank remains unwavering in its support for initiatives that advance public welfare, including the fight against drug abuse.”
The destroyed narcotics included 123 kg of cocaine, 46.8 kg of heroin, 1.4 million kg of cannabis, 148,000 kg of codeine syrup, and thousands of kilograms of tramadol, methamphetamine, and other synthetic substances which Gen. Marwa described as “weapons of destruction targeting the nation’s youth.”
Marwa emphasized that the operation was a statement of transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance saying “This public destruction sends a clear message to traffickers: Nigeria is not, and will not be, a safe haven,” he said. “Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, we are resolute in bringing offenders to justice with 10,572 convictions recorded in just four years.”
The ceremony drew participation from an array of stakeholders including security agencies, traditional rulers, members of the clergy, civil society, and international partners, reinforcing the scale of collaboration required to combat a national crisis of this magnitude.
About Sterling Bank
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