• Katsina Gov. Radda seeks partnership with Agency
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), has disclosed ambitious plans to deploy NDLEA personnel in all 774 local government areas across Nigeria in 2024.
This strategic move is part of a broader effort to bolster the agency’s campaign against substance abuse and the illicit trafficking of drugs, with a particular emphasis on local communities.
The announcement was made in response to a request for collaboration and the deployment of additional NDLEA officers throughout Katsina State, tendered by the state’s governor, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda.
Governor Radda expressed the urgent need to address the challenges posed by drug abuse and insecurity in the state and sought to harness NDLEA’s expertise to tackle the issue at its roots.
Brig. Gen. Marwa emphasized that with the NDLEA’s staff strength expected to reach 15,000 by year-end, the agency’s next phase of development will involve deployment to local government areas.
He pointed out that the NDLEA currently operates at zonal commands, state commands, and area commands, but expanding their presence to local government areas is crucial for more proactive and advocacy-driven efforts.
He acknowledged the complexities faced by Governor Radda in governing Katsina State and underscored the need to collectively eliminate the security implications of drug-related issues.
Marwa commended Governor Radda’s dedication to overcoming the various challenges confronting the state and promoting its socio-economic development.
He stressed the gravity of the drug menace, highlighting its destructive impact on the lives of youths and communities.
He further underscored that criminal activities are closely linked to drug abuse, with approximately 99% of criminals being influenced by drugs.
To combat this issue, the NDLEA has prioritized “operation offensive action,” which involves seizing illicit substances, whether cultivated, imported, or on the brink of export, with over 6,668 tons confiscated in the past two years.
Additionally, the NDLEA has apprehended more than 36,096 suspects, with over 6,043 successfully prosecuted and convicted during the same period.
The NDLEA’s comprehensive approach to combating drug abuse encompasses not only supply reduction but also demand reduction, focusing on prevention, treatment, and aftercare for drug-dependent individuals.
Advocacy and sensitization programs target those who have not yet started or are on the brink of initiating drug use.
Marwa announced the WADA initiative structured from the national level down to the local government areas.
He also called on state governments to establish a state drug control committee, with the NDLEA serving as the secretary, and the committee chairperson being the First Lady of the state.
The Chairman noted that First Ladies are well-positioned to champion the cause, given their maternal perspective and vested interest in the government’s well-being.
Governor Radda, in his address, reaffirmed the gravity of the insecurity issue in Katsina State, noting that it has persisted for years, impacting the state profoundly. He highlighted the steps already taken by the state government to mitigate the issue, such as establishing a Katsina Community Watch Corps composed of local residents.
However, he stressed that more is needed to address the root cause of the problem, which is drug abuse among the state’s youth.
He emphasized the vital role of NDLEA in halting the movement of drugs, arresting and prosecuting drug dealers, and reducing drug abuse, banditry, and trafficking within the state.
Governor Radda concluded by appealing for increased collaboration and synergy between the NDLEA and the state government.
He expressed hope that this partnership would contribute significantly to alleviating the state’s issues, enhancing its economic prospects, and ultimately reducing insecurity, which, in turn, would promote improved economic activities.
The potential for a fruitful working relationship between the NDLEA and Katsina State holds the promise of a safer, more prosperous future for the state and the nation at large.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
