Abdallah replaces Ahmadu Giade, who had handed over to its Director- General, Mrs. Roli Bode George, after 10 years in service. According to a statement by the Director of Press, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Bolaji Adebi, on Monday, the appointment takes effect from January 11, 2016. Abdallah, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Nigeria Army, has a Certificate of Education from Nigeria Defence Academy in 1977 and a Bachelor’s Degree in American Politics and Government from Sam Houston State University, Huntville, Texas, USA in 1989. He also has a Master’s in Public Administration, LLB and LLM degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 2005 and 2011, respectively and Bachelor of Law from the Nigeria Law School in 2006. “Abdallah is a Professional Security Officer whose public service career spanned over 30 years during which he served in various capacities and strategic positions in the military. Born on November 13, 1954, Mr Abdallah is from Hong, Adamawa State,” the statement added. The NDLEA praised Giade for his service and for handing over without controversy. “This is the first time in the agency’s history that an outgoing chairman will successfully serve for 10 years without blemish,” a statement by NDLEA’s spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said. The statement had also quoted Giade, a retired deputy commissioner of police, as saying that he was leaving the agency better than he met it 10 years ago. He had quoted Giade as saying, “My greatest legacy is my zero tolerance for corruption. If we must continue to dislodge drug barons and eradicate drugs from our society we must remain forthright and committed to drug control programmes. ”I am also leaving behind a legacy of proactive and intelligence-led organisation. The Agency, under my watch has a representative at INTERPOL headquarters and has successfully raised the international profile of the country through unprecedented seizures of drugs and arrest of drug barons.” Giade cited the removal of Nigeria from the list of major drug transit countries by the United States and the cordial working relationship with stakeholders as some of his other achievements. “The removal of Nigeria from the majors list opened doors to a robust cooperation and partnership with stakeholders,” he said. The NDLEA has witnessed unprecedented training programmes for officers sponsored by US Government, Germany, Spain, France and the European Union.”]]>