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NDLEA inaugurates special squads to tackle open sales, consumption of drugs in Abuja
NDLEA inaugurates special squads to tackle open sales, consumption of drugs in Abuja
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has inaugurated special squads to curb open sales and consumption of illicit drugs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Mr Kabiru Tsakuba, Commander of Narcotics (CN), NDLEA, FCT Command, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
Tsakuwa said that the approach would be through dislodgement of notorious drug joints, arrest of drug dealers, seizure of drugs and prosecution of offenders.
He said that FCT was unique because it had an international airport where some flights come directly from drug-source countries and others from East African countries where hard drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, could be accessed.
According to him, some may find their way into the town, in spite of the interdiction efforts of the NDLEA officers at the airport.
“The FCT, by its nature, has high-income localities interspaced with low-income slums where drug peddlers can take advantage to deal in drugs.
“There are individuals that can afford to buy any kind of drugs of their desire or choice without having to bother in any way.
“These, among many reasons, therefore, create veritable opportunities for drug peddlers, like in other cities of the world, to trade in these criminal substances.
“Having said this, it is important to note that the command has been trying its best to ensure a drug-free environment in the FCT,” Tsakuwa said.
He also pointed out that the NDLEA has been engaged in combating the open sales of illicit drugs through two major approaches of “Drug Supply Reduction” and “Drug Demand Reduction”.
The narcotics commander said that NDLEA created these special squads to deal with actionable intelligence, as it comes in, with a view to curbing illicit drug activities through dislodgement of notorious drug joints, arrest of dealers, seizure of drugs and prosecution of offenders.
Tsakuwa disclosed that the agency had also leveraged on the existing relationship with the community to assist it with intelligence on areas where drug activities were high for effective control.
He added that the agency had intensified sensitisation in schools, churches, mosques and other organisations.
He said this was with a view to educate and sensitise the public on the consequences associated with drug abuse and trafficking of drugs.
“There is an existing collaboration with parks management and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in both information sharing and sensitisation.
“We have also strengthened our interdiction efforts at the entry points via well fashioned out effective patrol strategy.
“This is along the major entry points such as Abaji- Lokoja Road, Gwagwalada-Kwali Road, Bwari-Jere Road, Mararaba/Nyanya Road, among others, in order to check the influx of drugs that may want to find its way into the FCT,” he said.
(NAN)
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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