NDLEA arrests 120 suspects in Kaduna
(Nigeria) No fewer than 120 suspected drugs traffickers and addicts have been arrested by the NDLEA in Kaduna State from January to date.
The state’s Commander, Mr Samuel Azige, said in Kaduna on
Sunday in an interview that 20 convictions were recorded in the period under
review.
Azige, who spoke on the sideline of road walk to mark the
2016 International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit Drug Trafficking, added
that 15.599 tons of drugs were also recovered from the suspects.
“The agency arrested 74 suspected drug traffickers, seized
15.342 tons of illicit drugs, secured 10 convictions and rehabilitated 68 drugs
addicts from January to March. While 44 suspects were arrested, 155 kilogrammes
of drugs seized and 10 convictions secured from April to date,’’ he said.
He however noted that there has been a slight decrease in
illegal drugs related offences in the state in the second quarter when compared
with the first quarter of the year,’’ he said.
He attributed the success recorded by the agency as a
collaborative effort with other security agencies in the state.
The 26 of every year have been set aside by the UNODC to
enlighten the public on the ills of drug abuse.
The day helps government agencies and stakeholders to review
successes in the fight against drug abuse and determine whether the trend is
increasing or decreasing in our various communities.
Azige blamed the level of drug abuse in the society on
joblessness, access to education, lack of parental care and peer group
influence, among others.
At Murtala Square, the terminal point of the road walk,
stakeholder’s rallied support for NDLEA in ridding the country of the menace of
drug abuse.
Yohanna Buru, a pastor of Christ Evangelical and
Intercessory Fellowship Kaduna, said the church and the Christian community
would continue to support the ongoing war against drug abuse.
Buru said that the church would continue to caution members
against taking illicit drugs.
Also speaking, the Head of Voter Education, Kaduna State
Independent Electoral Commission, Mr John Bulus attributed some electoral
violence to illicit drugs, particularly by the youths.
Bulus called on all stakeholders to support the NDLEA to
succeed in the war to ensure peaceful elections for the sustenance of the
nation’s democracy.
Similarly, the official of the National Orientation Agency,
Malam Lawal Fatika commended NDLEA for the efforts and urged parents to pay
attention to their children and ensure they imbibed good moral behaviour.
The road walk was organised by NDLEA in collaboration with
Nigas Rehabilitation and Skills Acquisition Centre, Kaduna.
Some of the stakeholders who joined the walk include,
National Orientation Agency, religious leaders and Red Cross Society among
others, in company of security agencies.
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