Crime
Stakeholders Hold Town Hall Meeting, Sets For Collaboration To Tackle Drug Abuse, Addiction
Stakeholders Hold Town Hall Meeting, Sets For Collaboration To Tackle Drug Abuse, Addiction
Stakeholders hold town hall meeting, sets for collaboration to tackle drug abuse, addiction. Mr Olawale said that the meeting was to exchange knowledge, share experiences and brainstorm on ways to tackle drug addiction and abuse in the country.
Stakeholders have called for collaborative efforts in addressing the prevalence of illicit drugs peddling, abuse and addiction in Nigeria.
Stakeholders made the call in their separate contributions during a town hall meeting on drug addiction, organised by an NGO, Best Brain Initiative for Human Development (BBIHD), on Wednesday in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The theme of the meeting is, “Breaking the Chains of Addiction, Building Community- Led Solutions to Combat Drug Abuse.”
The Convener and Executive Director of BBIHD, Ojewola Olawale, equally launched a book with the title, “Uncaged- Breaking Free from the Chains of Addiction” during the event.
The participants called for a multi-faceted approach that involved societal and family support systems, effective law enforcement and sensitisation campaigns to address the menace.
In his remarks, Mr Olawale said that the meeting was to exchange knowledge, share experiences and brainstorm on ways to tackle drug addiction and abuse in the country.
He underscored the need to combat the widespread availability and use of illicit drugs, which pose significant challenges to the nation’s development.
He noted that collaborative effort from relevant government agencies, private organisations, and individuals was essential to tackling the root causes of drug abuse and implementing sustainable solutions.
He charged the participants to come up with solutions to tackle the menace, which, according to him, is a catalyst to diverse crime.
Mr Olawale explained that his book, “Uncaged – Breaking Free from the Chains of Addiction,” represented his shared commitment to building a safer, healthier and more supportive community.
Representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), A.O. Achichi, decried the involvement of teenage children between 12 and 13 years old in drug abuse and addiction.
Mr Achichi attributed the involvement of the underage girls and boys in illicit drugs to wrong associations and peer groups influence.
He called on the general public to report any drug dependent person or drug peddlers to the agency, saying such information would be confidentially treated.
Also speaking, Oyo State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Kemi Afolayan, said that the agency, in collaboration with the National Assembly in 2024, launched a campaign against drug abuse.
Ms Afolayan urged relevant security agencies to focus more on motor parks, neighbourhood markets, and around school premises where drug peddlers disguised as genuine traders to sell cannabis and other illicit drugs.
She noted that NOA officials in the state had started visiting public schools to create awareness on value orientation, saying such awareness was to inculcate moral values into the pupils and students.
In the same vein, the Oyo State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps, Abel Oche, noted that tackling consumption of illicit drugs was imperative for national progress.
Stakeholders Hold Town Hall Meeting
Mr Oche underscored the importance of addressing root causes, which he stressed contributed to drug abuse among youths and teenagers.
He charged the NDLEA to embark on measures that would address the underlying issues to combat drug peddling and consumption.
A House of Representatives member, Aderemi Oseni, (Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency), urged stakeholders to join forces to tackle the menace of drug abuse and addiction.
Represented by his aide, Dr Ibrahim Okunlola, Mr Oseni underscored the importance of peace and security to national development, saying abuse of drugs pose serious challenges to national security.
He added that there can’t be good governance and economic growth in a society where a high number of youths engage in drug abuse.
Lagos, Italy Based Businessmen Arrested For Illicit Drug Shipments To Nigeria, Europe
Lagos, Italy based businessmen arrested for illicit drug shipments to Nigeria, Europe. As NDLEA destroys 13,198 kilograms skunk in Edo forests; busts drug repackaging factory in Katsina village, recovers 86,000 pills of opioid, arrests 4
Marwa commends personnel, prays for safer and drug free society on eid-el-fitr
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a Lekki-based businessman and proprietor of Damillionz Takeout, Arokodare Damil Ebenezer in connection with the shipment of 60 parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, from the United States of America to Nigeria.
The 43-year-old businessman was arrested at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way, Lekki area of Lagos where he does his illicit drug business on Monday 24th March 2025 while he was expecting to take the delivery of his latest drug consignment.
His arrest followed the seizure of his cargo that arrived Nigeria in seven big cartons at a logistics company in Lagos on 12th March by NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation.
After his arrest, he was taken to his Lekki home for a search during which 94grams of the same psychoactive substance, cannabis crusher and other drug paraphernalia were recovered. This brings the total weight of the drug seized from him to 32.24 kilograms.
In his statement, he claimed he started the illicit drug business in 2017.
Attempt by another businessman Omoruyi Terry to export 1,400 pills of tramadol 225mg weighing 800 grams to Italy has also been thwarted by NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos.
Omoruyi was intercepted at the screening point of terminal 2 of the Lagos airport on his way to Italy via a Qatar Airways flight.
Investigation reveals the suspect is an Italy based frequent traveler and logistics agent.
In Katsina, four suspects: Baraka Abubakar, 40; Haruna Alitine, 23; Muhammad Babangida, 20; and Hamisu Lawal, were arrested on Friday 28th March during an intelligence led raid operation at Godai village in Daura LGA where 684 blocks of compressed skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 423kg and 86,000 pills of diazepam were recovered from them.
The three male suspects were arrested while repackaging the diazepam tablets into other containers while Baraka, the female suspect was apprehended with the heaps of skunk in her house.
Not less than 13,198 kilograms of cannabis sativa were destroyed in Edo forests across parts of the state between Monday 24th and Friday 28th March by NDLEA operatives who also evacuated 158kg of same substance for possible prosecution.
The forests where no fewer than four cannabis plantations were discovered and destroyed include: Uhen forest, Ovia North East LGA; Sobe, Owan West LGA; and Amahor forest in Igueben LGA.
In Niger state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Mokwa-Jebba road on Friday 28th March intercepted a black Toyota Corolla car marked SLM 137 SV and arrested the two occupants in possession of 179 blocks of compressed skunk with a total weight of 77.6kg concealed in false bottom of the vehicle.
The two suspects are: Paul Christopher, 46, and Lucky Star Anumie. In another operation, 50kg skunk was on Saturday 29th March recovered from the home of a suspect, Isa Iliya, who is currently at large, in Wawa village, Borgu council area of the state.
While 108.5kg of skunk was recovered from lockup shops at Aria New Market, in Enugu metropolis, Enugu state by NDLEA operatives on Tuesday 25th March, 25kg of same substance was seized from a suspect Abdulrazak Saka at Kilako Area of Ilorin, Kwara State on Monday 24th March.
Another suspect Suli Saheed, 50, was nabbed with 2.5 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud and 515 grams of Colorado, at Olomi Academy area of Ibadan, Oyo state.
With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.
These include: WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of Blessed Martins International School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state; Model Ideal College, Enugu; Oto-Awori Senior Secondary School, Ijanikin, Lagos state; and Command Secondary School, Numan, Adamawa state, among others.
Italy Based Businessmen
While commending the officers and men of MMIA, DOGI, Edo, Kwara, Niger, Enugu, Oyo and Katsina Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.
He extended eid-el-fitr greetings to them, their families, other stakeholders and Nigerians at large.
“May the spirit of obedience and sacrifice that defines this special day guide and strengthen us as we remain steadfast in our pursuit of a drug-free society.
May Allah continue to bless and guide us and may our collective efforts bring us closer to a safer and healthier society for all”, the NDLEA boss added.
Police Rescue 21 Kidnapped Victims, Recover N4.8m Ransom, Arms, Ammunition
Police rescue 21 kidnapped victims, recover N4.8m ransom, arms, ammunition. Also arrests 6 for heinous crimes.
The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country, employing decisive nationwide operations to dismantle criminal networks and aggressively tackle kidnapping and illegal arms proliferation.
In a coordinated series of raids throughout the first quarter of 2025, the Force has delivered crippling blows to organized crime, rescuing victims, apprehending key suspects, and seizing a cache of weapons and illicit funds, marking significant escalation in the fight against criminal elements threatening the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.
Most recent of these operations were in Taraba State, where Police operatives attached to the State Command spearheaded one such successful operation on March 29th, 2025, along the Takum/Mararaba road. The operatives, in conjunction with other security agencies, swiftly responded to a kidnapping in progress at Muji Town.
A fierce gun battle ensued, leading to the rescue of twenty (20) kidnapped victims, alongside all the vehicles abandoned at the scene. Two of the victims who sustained injuries are currently receiving medical care.
Meanwhile, in Kano State, a meticulous investigation was launched on March 8th, 2025, following the kidnapping of Dr. Muhammad Bello Yushau culminated in a series of arrests.
On March 18th and 19th, technical analysis led police operatives from the state Anti-Kidnapping Squad to apprehend Tukur Lawal AKA Maikudi, along with accomplices Ado Usman, Sanusi Surajo, Habiba Shuaibu, and Ummulkhairi Ibrahim.
In their possession, authorities recovered a locally made rifle and N4,840,000 in cash believed to be ransom money. The victim was rescued unhurt and reunited with his family.
Furthermore, in a separate operation, operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) acting on credible intelligence arrested one Kafinta Musa ‘m’ of Taraba State in connection with armed robbery, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms.
An AK49 rifle loaded with 5 rounds of live ammunition was seized during the arrest. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend remaining members of his criminal syndicate.
Police
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the officers involved in these daring operations for their bravery and professionalism.
The Force urges continued cooperation from the public in providing timely information to aid in the fight against crime.
These successful operations underscore the dedication and joint commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and the good citizens of Nigeria to safeguard communities and ensure the safety and security of all.
Eid- el- Fitr: We Can Overcome Corruption By Stronger Resolve Says EFCC
Eid- el- Fitr: We can overcome corruption by stronger resolve says EFCC. Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Ola Olukoyede has expressed optimism that Nigerians are capable of breaking the fang of corrupt practices by mustering stronger resolve and determination against them.
He stated this in Abuja on Sunday, March 30, 2025 in his Goodwill Message to muslims commemorating Eid- el- Fitr across the country.
According to him, tackling economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption are achievable through courageous readiness and corporate commitments of Nigerians.
” Nigerians are stronger than corruption. No corrupt act can break our common resolve and determination. We have all it takes to confront and conquer economic and financial crimes”, he said.
He congratulated muslims and charged them to allow lessons of self- denial, discipline, sacrifice, love and purity of the Ramaddan season imbued in them greater readiness and commitment to shun corrupt practices.
Stronger Resolve
“At Eid- el- Fitr, Allah’s benevolence and sacrifice are greatly magnified. May the lessons of love, peace, joy and celebration of the festival abide in us and may they imbue in us greater desire to shun corrupt practices”, he said.
He also assured Nigerians that the anti- corruption war is on course, maintaining that the EFCC is gaining more strength and speed in bringing economic and financial crimes to a halt.
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