NDLEA denies recruiting underaged Nigerians after pictures of recruits surfaced on the Internet

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, or NDLEA, denied hiring Nigerians who were too young.

A picture of the agency's newest hire, who appeared to be underage, had surfaced on social media.

The picture was taken during the march of 2,500 NDLEA personnel being sworn in.

Nigerians accused the anti-narcotics agency of hiring a kid, which sparked a backlash.

In response, NDLEA stated that such statements made by Nigerians would constitute "body-shaming."

This was said in a post headlined "Newly trained NDLEA personnel on viral photo not underage" that was published on the NDLEA's official X page.

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 a small body frame but is indeed qualified in terms of academic and age qualifications required for his cadre, Narcotic Assistant II, which include a secondary school certificate and being 18 years of age.

“Uncomplimentary comments about his size may be tantamount to body shaming.”

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