NDLEA via its social media page also accused Nigerians of body-shaming the new officer
By Kehinde Okeowo
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) has taken to social media to refute claims by netizens that the drug agency is recruiting underaged Nigerians.
NDLEA’s denial of the allegation came via a post on its official X page titled: ‘Newly trained NDLEA personnel on viral photo not underage.’
It all began when a photograph of a new officer of the agency taken during the passing out parade of 2,500 NDLEA officers made the rounds on social media.
The now-viral picture drew a backlash, as Nigerians suggested the new officer
looked underage and accused the anti-narcotics agency of recruiting a teenager.
ALSO READ: NPA MD Bello-Koko, Kuru, Adebayo, Obiamalu for Realnews 11th lecture Nov 7
Reacting to the allegation, NDLEA informed the public that it did do such a thing and added that such claims by Nigerians amount to “body-shaming.”
The post reads: “The newly trained personnel of the Agency whose photo appears above (arrowed) is not underage as being insinuated since this picture taken during the Passing out Parade of2,500 Narcotic Agents and Narcotic Assistants on Thursday 19th October 2023 got to the social media space.
“The personnel may have small body frame but is indeed qualified in terms of academic and age qualifications required for his cadre, Narcotic Assistant II, which include secondary school certificate and being 18 years of age.
“Uncomplimentary comments about his size may be tantamount to body shaming.”
