By Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
ASHENEWS reports that the Borno state command of the Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has disclosed that between January and 25th June 2023, it arrested 317 persons for various drug offences, including 313 males and four females, and seized illicit drugs weighing 1,152.6 kilograms.
This online platform further reports that the state Assistant Commander in charge of Narcotics, Mr. Joseph Icha, stated this at Indimi International Conference Hall, University of Maiduguri, in commemoration of United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Drug Trafficking on Monday.
The commander said that this year’s celebration of the 2023 United Nations Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking of Illicit Drugs. It is a day of utmost importance to the global community in the continuous effort to ameliorate the consequences of abuse of illicit substances and make our world a safer place.
Joseph further emphasised that this year, the theme is “People First, Stop Stigma And Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention”, which aims to protect people and communities by ending the impunity of drug traffickers who are profiting from the pains of substance use dependant persons.
According to him, between January and 25th June 2023, the State Command arrested 317 persons for various drug offences. 313 males and 04 females. While illicit drugs weighing 1,152.6 Kilograms were seized.
He said the command has a counselling centre within which 250 persons were given brief counselling, intervention and have admitted 14 persons for long term counselling, out of which 10 were discharged.
In achieving this feat, the command has enjoyed encouraging support from the Borno State Government and from the Chairperson of the State Drug Control Committee. Dr. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum.
The entire security architecture in the state has been very supportive and has always given us the needed synergy to achieve success in the drug war.
He thanked the Army, Airforce, Navy, Police, DSS, NSCDC, Customs Service, Immigration Service, Correctional Service, FRSC and NAFDAC. Considering NYSC appreciate all partners, Both Local and International; for their unwavering commitment to end the scourge of drug abuse in the State.