Former NDLEA Chairman, Fulani Kwajafa Passes Away at 88

Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Fulani Kwajafa, renowned for his service as Sarkin Yakin Biu, has passed away. Kwajafa died on October 23, 2024, at the age of 88, following a brief illness.

Kwajafa’s passing was confirmed by a family member. He is survived by his wife, Patience Kwajafa, as well as numerous children and grandchildren, including Nuhu Fulani Kwajafa, Director General of the Global Initiative for Peace, Love, and Care (GIPLC).

Born on December 22, 1936, in Kwajafa Village, Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, Kwajafa embarked on a career with the Nigeria Police Force in 1954 as a constable. Through determination and a commitment to duty, he quickly rose through the ranks, attracting the attention of the Colonial Police Administration, which led to further training at Mayflower College in London, UK.

His dedication saw him reach the role of Commissioner of Police in 1984, a position that underscored his expertise and commitment to law enforcement. Widely recognized as a specialist in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Kwajafa was instrumental in solving numerous high-profile cases, earning multiple awards, including the prestigious Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR).

In 1991, Kwajafa was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, where he demonstrated unwavering commitment to combating Nigeria’s escalating drug-related crimes. Under his leadership, the agency made substantial progress in dismantling drug trafficking operations.

Kwajafa’s influence extended beyond Nigeria. In 1992, he chaired the Financial Investigation Work Group at the 14th Meeting of Heads of National Drug Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA) for Africa in Abuja and participated in the Interpol Africa Workshop in the same year. He also served as Vice Chairman of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) 35th Session in Vienna.

In 1993, Kwajafa achieved a historic milestone as the first African appointed Chairman of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (36th Session) in Vienna. His career left an enduring mark on Nigeria’s law enforcement, exemplifying courage, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to justice.