By Steve Agbota
The National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Apapa Strategic Command, has reiterated its commitment to tackle the importation of hard drugs and illicit trafficking at the seaport.
This was stated during a press briefing with the Strategic Commander, NDLEA Apapa, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN) Buba Wakawa, to roll out activities to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
According to him, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a day set aside to create awareness on the dangers of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking while adopting localised actions by member countries to sensitise their immediate communities in order to achieve a world free of drug use and trafficking.
He said this year’s theme is “Evidence Is Clear: Invest In Prevention, Break The Cycle.
He explained that the 2018 United Nations Drugs Survey states that 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 years had used drugs in the preceding years, which signifies evidence of a drug epidemic.
He mentioned that the theme for 2025 is apt as it is in tandem with the objectives of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, a brainchild of the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer. Brigadier General Buba Marwa.
He said that the theme also tasks the NDLEA to strengthen actions and cooperation in curtailing the availability, accessibility, and affordability of drugs.
“We must guarantee sound health and security in our communities as drugs have been found to aggravate conflicts, crime and new waves of insecurity & kidnapping, banditry and terrorism,” he said.
He said that Apapa Command has curated some activities to sensitise the people about drug abuse, which will increase their awareness and knowledge of potential health, social and legal consequences of illicit drug use and trafficking.
He maintained that the purpose of the engagement is to bring together a broad spectrum of society, schools and students, regulatory bodies, sister security agencies, terminal operators and stakeholders to speak with one voice against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
“The Cycle can be broken and together we can make it happen,” he said.
The activities include: a road walk awareness campaign against Drug Abuse, a debate on drug abuse among twelve selected secondary schools in Apapa and a town hall engagement to conclude the ceremonies.
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