, Sokoto State Command, has reaffirmed commitment to address the myriad of drug-related){kind=link}
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sokoto State Command, has reaffirmed commitment to address the myriad of drug-related security challenges in the state.
The agency’s Commander in the state, Mr Adamu Iro, gave the assurance during a news conference to
commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Sokoto on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day is annunally observed on June 26 as a global reminder to the urgent need to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Established by the UN in 1987, the day is also to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse, thorough comprehension of the social, economic and health consequences of drug use.
This 2024 edition of the global observance id “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
The Sokoto commander, therefore, said “NDLEA is fully engaged with renewed vigour to support government efforts in tackling the insecurity affecting not only Sokoto but Nigeria as a whole.
“In Sokoto State, the successes we have recorded so far are directly linked to our awareness of the state’s security challenges.
‘“We firmly believe that there is a connection between drug abuse and crimes such as banditry and kidnapping.”
He warned those allowing their premises to be used for drug trade and consumption, adding that such properties would be investigated and possibly forfeited to the Federal Government.
Iro emphasised that under the leadership of Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the NDLEA had undergone significant transformation to address drug-related challenges.
“This is evident in the increased arrests, seizures, convictions, sensitisation programmes, strategic restructuring and partnerships, which garnered national, regional and international recognition and commendation,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, saying that the day’s objective is to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve a world free of drug abuse.
He urged husbands to monitor their wives and children to ensure that they were not influenced by individuals involved in drug abuse.
He called on the state government to resuscitate the Drug Control Committee in Sokoto, emphasising that the state was lagging in this area.
The commander appealed to stakeholders to see themselves as NDLEA ambassadors in the fight against drug abuse.(NAN)
By Muhammad Nasir