NDLEA Calls for Increased Collaboration with Sister Agencies to Combat Drug Trafficking
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has urged for enhanced collaboration with enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria. The Apapa Commander, NDLEA, Mr. Noah Ndutong, made the call on Wednesday in Apapa during the Grand Finale of the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The event, observed on June 26, had the theme "The evidence is clear, invest in prevention". Ndutong emphasized that joint efforts from stakeholders would ease the work of the NDLEA, as the agency is determined to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the international goal of freeing society from drug abuse.
He noted that nearly every family has been affected by drug abuse in some way and warned that the chances of overcoming drug abuse are slim. "The menace keeps depleting our workforce. Nigerians should invest more in preventing drug abuse. Preventing drug abuse entails public enlightenment and sensitization, among other measures. Our agency will drive drug dealers out of business faster with more synergy from other sister agencies. Drug dealers won't enjoy their businesses as they will all spend their time in jail. Drugs are a major contributor to crimes and criminality in the country," Ndutong said.
The Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, represented by Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Uchenna Agomuo, said that drug abuse hinders national development. According to him, Apapa Command aligns with NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse. "Drug abuse fuels insecurity, among other crimes, and together, we can fight it. So, I urge all hands to be on deck to achieve our target of zero tolerance for drug trafficking," Olomu said.
The 23rd Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Commodore Rafiu Oladeji, urged everyone to support the fight against drug abuse, calling it a global menace. He commended the NDLEA for involving more youths and students in the awareness campaign, which he added would help reduce the rate of drug abuse in society.
The Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, NDLEA, Mrs. Florence Ezeonye, urged youths to prevent themselves from engaging in drug abuse rather than seeking cures after addiction. In his closing remarks, the Area Commander of Tincan Island Ports, NDLEA, Mr. Muhammed Abubakar, commended the sister agencies and other stakeholders for their participation. He said that their collective efforts had contributed to a massive turnout of stakeholders and youths in the sensitization campaign against drug trafficking.
Abubakar urged Nigerians to join hands with the government to stop drug abuse and drug trafficking in the country. The event featured sensitization campaigns, awareness walks, and lectures, aimed at educating the public, especially youths, about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of prevention.
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