The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has refuted the allegations that it hired an underage Nigerian as one of its new officers.
The agency was reacting to a viral photo of a new recruit who appeared to be very young.
The photo was taken during the graduation ceremony of 2,500 NDLEA officers on Thursday 19th October 2023. The photo sparked outrage on social media, as Nigerians accused the anti-drug agency of violating the age requirement for its staff.
NDLEA dismissed the claims as “body-shaming” and said the recruit was not underage.
The agency explained that the recruit had a small body frame but met the academic and age qualifications for his position, which were secondary school certificate and 18 years of age.
The agency said the recruit was a Narcotic Assistant II, one of the lowest cadres in the NDLEA. The agency urged Nigerians to refrain from making uncomplimentary comments about his size and respect his dignity.