Nigeria: Babangida, Marwa, Others Pay Tributes to Ex-NDLEA Boss, Kwajafa, As He's Buried

6 November 2024
This Day (Lagos)
By Kasim Sumaina

Abuja — Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, current NDLEA Chief, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa, and a host of others, yesterday, in Abuja, paid tribute to the late Fulani Kwajafa, former NDLEA boss, who was laid to rest at Gudu Cemetery, Abuja.

A Night of Tributes was held to honour Kwajafa, who passed away at the age of 88 as former colleagues, family, and friends gathered in Abuja to celebrate his extraordinary life, legacy and contributions to Nigeria.

Babangida reminisced about his long association with Kwajafa, describing him as an "uncommon Nigerian" with an infectious patriotism, recalling their first encounter in 1964.

Babangida his tribute said: "He was such a great Nigerian with a deep sense of patriotism and dedication to his responsibilities as a consummate Police Officer."

He praised Kwajafa's rise through the ranks of the Nigeria Police, noting his innovations and significant role in combating drug trafficking during his tenure at the NDLEA.

Marwa expressed deep sorrow at Kwajafa's passing, statingthat, "Mr. Kwajafa's death at 88 is no doubt a national loss of unquantifiable magnitude because of the many ways he touched the Nigerian polity."

He highlighted Kwajafa's achievements and the enduring legacy he left behind, particularly his visionary leadership in drug law enforcement.

Former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, also paid tribute, acknowledging Kwajafa's legacy as the first head of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) and emphasizing his unwavering commitment to national service.

Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff, expressed his deep sadness at the loss of a "towering figure" in Nigerian policing.

He reflected on Kwajafa's integrity and dedication to public safety, highlighting his role in establishing the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in 1984, which laid the foundation for a renewed approach to combating crime.

Senior Technical Assistant to the Governor of Borno State, Dr. Nana Safiya Garnvwa, echoed similar sentiments, praising Kwajafa as a Nigerian worthy of emulation.

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