The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has denied recruiting underaged Nigerians into its employ.
NDLEA disclosed this in a statement through its official X page on Saturday.
Recall that a photograph had emerged on social media of a recruit of the Agency who looked underage.
The photograph was taken during the passing out parade of 2,500 NDLEA officers.
The photograph has drawn some backlash as Nigerians accused the anti-narcotics Agency of recruiting an underaged.
Reacting, NDLEA said such claims by Nigerians would amount to “body-shaming.”
“The newly trained personnel of the Agency whose photo
appears above (arrowed) is not underage as being insinuated since this picture was taken during the Passing out Parade of
2,500 Narcotic Agents and Narcotic Assistants on Thursday, 19th October 2023, got to the social media space.
“The personnel may have a small body frame but is indeed qualified in terms of academic and age qualifications required for his cadre, Narcotic Assistant II, including a secondary school certificate and 18 years of age.
“Uncomplimentary comments about his size may be tantamount to body shaming.”