Posted by In an effort to strengthen the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, particularly in local communities, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced that by 2024, personnel will be deployed in all 774 local government areas of the country.
This announcement was made by NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd).
Marwa made the commitment in response to Katsina’s governor, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda’s, plea for collaboration and the deployment of more NDLEA officers across the state.
This information was released in a statement by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi on Friday.
With the Agency’s staff strength set to climb to 15,000 by the end of the year, the next step was to deploy in the LGAs,” Marwa is quoted as saying in the announcement.
Currently, we have commands at the zonal, state, and area levels. For advocacy and offensive action, we need to get to the LGAs. To be successful, we require more help. There are a lot of obstacles that the governor of Katsina has had to overcome, therefore my gratitude goes out to him. But if insecurity is a problem and drugs are fueling it, I think we need to work together to eliminate the drug factor.
He praised Governor Radda for his work to improve the state’s economy and social conditions despite a number of obstacles.
The drug menace, he said, is a major problem that has wreaked havoc on our young people and their communities. The criminal element of this problem makes it public enemy number one. To commit at least some of their crimes, 99 percent of offenders must first have access to narcotics and be under the influence. In light of this, the NDLEA, with the backing of all relevant directorates and management, has committed its resources to a “offensive action” operation.
Those who haven’t started using drugs yet or are on the verge of doing so are the focus of this preventative intervention. Advocacy and sensitization campaigns aim to reach them on all possible levels. This is why the WADA program was set up with tiers ranging from the national to the local government.
We urge the government to establish a state drug control committee with the NDLEA serving as secretary and the state’s first lady presiding as chair. Since they are the mothers of the leaders, the first ladies are in a prime position to look out for their country’s interests.
Radda, in his opening remarks, explained that his presence at the Agency was related to the government’s attempts to address the issue of insecurity in the country.
“This synergy is crucial, and I acknowledge the NDLEA’s extensive efforts in aiding the administration. To prevent further drug trafficking and ensure that those responsible for it are brought to justice, however, we still want more backing from the Chairman/Chief Executive. To combat drug misuse, banditry, and trafficking in the state, we urge improved collaboration and coordination.
“We hope the partnership will go a long way in alleviating the issues of the state and improving the economy,” the governor said.