National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

By Uzair Adam 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its efforts to combat drug trafficking, intercepting various consignments of illicit drugs and arresting several suspects in multiple states.  

The agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed in a statement on Sunday in Abuja that a 42-year-old building engineer was apprehended on December 2 at Okeyson Motor Park, Enugu, while attempting to collect three pressure machines from South Africa. 

Hidden inside the machines were 7.40kg of Loud, a synthetic cannabis strain.  

The shipment had initially arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on November 29 and was tracked by NDLEA operatives to a logistics company warehouse. 

However, the point of collection was later changed to Enugu, leading to the suspect’s arrest during a follow-up operation.  

In another operation, NDLEA operatives in Adamawa intercepted a Siena vehicle abandoned by its occupants after noticing the agency’s patrol team on Hildi-Askira Uba Road. 

The vehicle contained 511,000 tramadol pills, which were recovered early on December 6.  

Similarly, in Ekiti State, two suspects were arrested along the Ise-Emure Road while transporting 108 jumbo bags of cannabis, weighing 1,323kg, in a J5 bus. 

The suspects reportedly planned to deliver the consignment to Ondo State for distribution in the North.  

In Oyo State, operatives seized 704kg of cannabis on December 6 at Idere Road, Igboora, while in Lagos, a 65-year-old grandmother was apprehended on December 6 at Odunfa Street, Lagos Island, with 20.6 litres of codeine-based syrup. 

Another man was arrested on Ogundana Street, Ikeja, with 4.7kg of cannabis and 1.3kg of tramadol.  

The NDLEA has also sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting sensitization lectures in schools, workplaces, and communities across the country. 

Among the institutions visited were Government Girls College, Maiduguri, and Progressive Secondary School, Ado Awaye.  

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retired) commended the agency’s operatives and lauded their efforts in drug supply and demand reduction, describing their achievements as vital to the agency’s mission to safeguard public health and safety.

By Uzair Adam 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in its ongoing war against drug trafficking, intercepting a total of N22.7 billion worth of opioids at three major seaports. 

In a separate incident, operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, arrested Oguejiofor Nnaemeka Simonpeter, a Thailand returnee, for attempting to smuggle heroin valued at over N3.1 billion.

Oguejiofor, a 29-year-old graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Anambra State, was apprehended on October 7, 2024, while trying to exit the airport with the illicit drug hidden in six backpacks packed inside two large suitcases. 

The heroin, weighing 13.30 kilograms, was carefully sewn into the backpacks. 

According to a statement by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media & Advocacy, Oguejiofor had travelled from Thailand to Lagos via Qatar Airways, stopping over in Doha. 

Upon arriving in Lagos, he requested his luggage, which was initially routed to Accra, Ghana, to be rerouted back to Nigeria in an attempt to avoid security checks. 

NDLEA officers intercepted the luggage, leading to the discovery of the heroin.

Oguejiofor claimed that he was paid $7,000 to deliver the drugs, with two parcels intended for Lagos and the remaining four for Accra.

In related operations, NDLEA officers at the Lekki Deep Seaport, Apapa Seaport in Lagos, and the Port Harcourt Port Complex seized a large quantity of opioids, including 32.6 million tramadol pills and over 1.4 million bottles of codeine-based syrup. 

These drugs were estimated to be worth N22.7 billion in total.

Meanwhile, operatives in Anambra State also arrested a suspect with 50,000 tramadol tablets, and in Edo State, NDLEA officers recovered 1,050 kilograms of cannabis during a raid at a transit point.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Freeman Charles Ogbonna, a Delhi, India-bound passenger, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for drug trafficking. 

Ogbonna was arrested on Sunday, March 31, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos after ingesting 80 wraps of cocaine. 

He was taken into custody by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the screening point of Terminal 2 of the airport.

Preliminary checks revealed that Ogbonna was using a Liberian international passport named Carr Bismark. 

However, further investigation revealed his real identity as Freeman Charles Ogbonna. He was subsequently placed under observation in NDLEA custody, where he exhibited discomfort.

Ogbonna eventually vomited and excreted the drugs over four days, passing out a total of 80 wraps of cocaine weighing 889 grams through his mouth and anus. 

He claimed that he was recruited into drug trafficking by one of his relatives and was promised N300,000 if he successfully delivered the consignment in India.

The NDLEA arraigned Ogbonna before Justice Dipeolu Deinde Isaac of the Federal High Court in Lagos on a charge of committing an offence contrary to section 20(1)(b) and punishable under section 20(2)(a) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30 LFN 2004.

In his judgement, Justice Dipeolu sentenced Ogbonna to 25 years in prison without an option of a fine. 

The Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the MMIA Command and the prosecution team for their diligent case handling.

Marwa stated that the judiciary remains a strong pillar in the effort to curb substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria. 

He added that Ogbonna’s conviction would send a strong signal to drug barons and their mules that there would be no hiding place for them.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is alerting the public, particularly those with loved ones abroad, to a new scam that targets innocent families.

Fraudsters are impersonating NDLEA officers and contacting unsuspecting citizens with a fabricated story.

As described by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, “Under this new scam scheme, the fraudsters will call unsuspecting citizens to inform them of the arrest of their relatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja Lagos or any other international airport in Nigeria with illicit drugs upon arrival in the country.”

Babafemi continued, explaining the scammers’ tactics, “After throwing the family members into panic, the scammers then make a demand of millions of naira to facilitate the release of such persons from NDLEA custody.”

The NDLEA has successfully thwarted similar attempts in the past. Babafemi highlighted, “At the moment, there is one of such scenario the Agency has just investigated.

“In this case, the picture of a Nigerian man based in the US is being circulated with an audio of a purported NDLEA officer negotiating the payment of N5 million with a female relative for the release of the US-based Nigerian man purportedly arrested at the Lagos airport on Friday 22nd March upon his arrival with a ‘contraband.”

The NDLEA emphasizes that these claims are entirely fabricated. “Just like in previous instances, our investigation has also shown that the current incident is the work of scammers,” affirmed Babafemi.

He reiterated, “No NDLEA officer is involved in the audio conversation and the person whose photo is attached to the audio recording being circulated is not in our custody at MMIA or any of our Commands either as at yesterday or any other day.”

The NDLEA urges the public to exercise caution and avoid falling victim to these scams. “The family members involved in this case are advised not to part with their hard-earned money to scammers,” advised Babafemi.

“Nigerians with loved ones abroad are also urged to keep discussions on travel plans of their relatives to themselves to avoid the hijack of such by criminal elements for devious schemes.”

If you encounter a similar situation, the NDLEA provides contact lines for assistance: “+2347064670026 and +2348033326327.”

By Nusaiba Ibrahim Na’abba

We continue to lose a part of us – our brothers, sisters, friends and colleagues – to drug abuse. It keeps getting scarier, forcing all of us to have bleak thoughts about the future. For us to win this war against drug abuse, we need to do the following and, perhaps, more.

Communality: Our common fight against the pervasiveness of these substances was long lost here. Achieving common goals is now a bizarre thing of the past. When problems happen at family or community levels, we begin playing blame games. And to those who think their wards are ‘righteous’, they’ve done an impeccable parenting job. They describe people who are facing the heartbreak of child-related drug abuse as being incapable, too strict or too loving to their kids to let that happen. They then hop on the trend of gentle parenting as the key to having upright children. But reality shows that some parents who battle these problems possess proper parenting skills.

Now, in the case of the neighbourhood or larger community engagements, menial signs of danger are being neglected. Often, these drug dealings and businesses flourish where there is community negligence. The drug lords are purposeful enough to select urban areas where families live low-key lives. There, they conduct their sales without much or any attention from the communities, using selected morning hours for their exchanges. Quickly, a business of millions will happen in front of your house, and you will forever not know.

We must work together to be more vigilant. I am confident that the power of our communal efforts supersedes a few bad eggs that vow to torment the lives of our beloved youths with harmful substances. This battle is beyond a one-man thing. I’m also not generalising the drug dealings to happen in all urban areas in Kano, but there are several allegations about that.

Sustainable Income Options: About four years ago, the BBC Africa Eye gave staggering statistics of codeine consumption in Kano and Jigawa States in their investigative report titled Sweet Sweet Codeine. Well, the situation has only gotten worse with shisha parlours and other unthinkable substances aimed at destroying us in total. The mere imagination of how much is invested in this business is inconceivable. Unlike food, illicit substance addiction does not embrace sorry as an answer. Even in the eyes of the storm, addicts must get their day’s share. And this is why its market keeps expanding and thriving. Before you start arguing, they never fail in their businesses because they always have a market.

Unless a robust, sustainable income generation mechanism is found and proliferated in the minds of young adults into this business, we will continue to lose hope. It is extremely difficult to convince a young adult who has discovered the ropes of this illegal business to start a legal business with a low income. Their state of growth is one, and the reality you cannot overlook is difficult. Adding to the complexity of the already bad situation, you would find it difficult to neglect how politicians spend money lavishly, which is widely spread on social media.

This is one of the most difficult tools that must be deployed in this fight.

Women Groups: I’m 100% supporting creating women groups who can keenly monitor community levels. Women possess an indispensable role in upbringing, and they receive the largest share of agony when they lose their child to drug abuse. When they are part of decision-making, they can contribute immensely to the patterns they notice in their wards, and finally, they own the collective action.

Nonetheless, they must be trained rigorously on the processes they can use to fact-check drug abuse in their kids. It has been an issue that women do not understand the change in eating, sleeping, or engagement habits of their kids, which is drug-related. With the training, the problem can be tackled early before it escalates.

I can vividly recall when a mature lady entered our house some years ago. She came in with deep red eyes, along with a young girl who was 7 to 8 years old. It was in the evening, around 5 p.m., when we were seated in our compound, chatting. The woman, whose age I cannot ascertain, said she needed help with some money to buy foodstuff. By Allah, her appearance and language did not show she needed help. In fact, she appeared to be more of a well-to-do individual. But you could tell she was desperate for something, and the little girl kept giving her looks of disbelief with every sentence she made.

My mother said she had no money to help her. After a moment, she gathered momentum and said goodbye, leaving with the kid. It was only months after the encounter that my mother explained that she was sure that the woman was high on a substance and that she desperately needed money to keep going.

This world is a scary place.

Language and Codes: People who are associated with illicit substance abuse or business create codes for interaction so that they cannot be easily identified. It is usually only the people in their circle who can understand them.

There must be a way of breaking down their language and codes to identify them quickly. It creates a massive gap in understanding the context of discussions; hence, meeting points and business dealings can be set up effortlessly without anybody noticing. In community kiosks where these exchanges happen, they are facilitated by a unique language and code.

We need to break that language barrier to dissect the problem better so we can address it appropriately.

Nusaiba Ibrahim Na’abba wrote from Kano. She can be reached via nusaibaibrahim66@gmail.com.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

After watching a Hausa video from Kano State a few days ago on different social media platforms, I was deeply saddened to witness a young man confessing to security officials how he fatally stabbed and murdered his father. Saying he committed the act “out of love for him” forced tears out of my eyes.

The most heartbreaking part was when he acknowledged his father’s care, provision, education, and immense love towards him, expressing that he killed him to ensure his father’s peaceful rest in heaven.

When asked about his name by the interrogator, he confidently said, ” My name is Abu Kasim Bin Ya’u Bin Ibrahim Bin Abubakar.” Surprisingly, he doesn’t even know the crime he committed before his arrest by the staff of the Nigerian Civil Security and Defense Corps (NSCDC).

While reminding him that he killed his father, he unapologetically explained that whoever is killed goes to heaven—paradise—without any questions from angels. ”I killed him, and whoever kills someone will go to hellfire. I am a certified member of Hellfire, but my father is a dweller of paradise, and I don’t care about the situation I will find myself in. That is not my problem.”

When asked why he didn’t kill himself,  he replied, saying he loves his father more than himself. ”He paid my school fees, and I became a wayward person and killed him, qualifying me to be judged accordingly. We must tell the truth no matter what. I am in the know that I killed him, and I will not lie to you, Officer.”

These were the words of the young man from Nigeria who killed his hard-working and promising father after getting high on hard drugs, exposing the level of crime that a drug addict can commit if he or she is high.

Similarly, I overheard a story of a young man, 21, who forcefully slept with his 17-year-old sister after being high at night, leading to her pregnancy. He said he thought he was at a hotel where he spent the night.

Another case of drug addiction that got me thinking some months ago was a case of a man who threatened to kill his father if he cautioned him about his lifestyle.

Yesterday, I read a report by TheCable that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has raised concerns over the abuse of psychoactive substances among Borno’s young people, outlining fermented human urine, lizard dung, camel urine, Lipton soaked in gin, and mentholated spirits mixed with soft drinks as the most abused substances in the state, which resulted in prostitution, extortion, and other social ill-practices.

This was contained in a statement by Iliyasu Mani, the Commander of the Narcotics of the NDLEA, Maiduguri, Borno State.

He explained that some youths are inhaling toilet fumes and gutter dirt to get high and commit different kinds of crimes to the detriment of the state, aside from the ongoing insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and businesses, leaving people poor and helpless.

Mani went on to say, “Let me categorically state here that these new psychoactive substances that are commonly abused today include cannabis sativa, skunk, cough syrup with codeine, ice, tramadol, rRohypnol diazepam, pentazocine, rubber solution, and glue,” concluding that some use 10-year-old human urine to get high.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, a household survey conducted in 2018 and reviewed in 2021, the level of substance abuse in Nigeria is at 14.3 percent which was three times higher than the 5.6 percent global average. This alone calls for action to come up with realistic and achievable ways of tackling drug addiction in the country.

Recently, one of my relatives escaped death after a botched attack by terror drug addicts at his residence in Gwange Sabon Layi in Maiduguri. They went to his house at night, attacked him with knives, and snatched his cell phones, one among the many crimes they commit daily.

This is the situation of many young people today in the North. Their addiction to hard drug consumption has already taken a frightening dimension. That is why the government must do something to arrest the dangerous situation. 

Lawan Bukar Maigana writes from Borno State and can be reached via email lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com

By Muhammad Suleiman Yobe

Hadejia Emirate Council in Jigawa State has relieved one of its traditional title holders, Alhaji Abubakar Hussain Abubakar, known as Dan Lawan of Hadejia.

This is contained in a letter sent to The Daily Reality by Muhammad Garba Talaki, a Public Relations Officer of the Council, signed by Council Secretary Alhaji Muhammad Baffale Abbas.

Baffale said the dismissal was due to his engagement with illicit drugs.

He said the council confirmed the matter through a letter from National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Jigawa State intimating the council on the issue.

He added that the traditional title holder refused to honour an invitation letter sent by the Emirate Council to defend himself, which was found to be disrespectful to the council.

Consequently, Alhaji Abubakar Hussain Abubakar was dismissed and warned to avoid parading himself as Dan Lawan of Hadejia.

Secretary Alhaji Muhammad Baffale advised the general public, especially those interacting with him, to take note.

He said the strict measure was taken to serve as a deterrent to other traditional leaders and urged traditional leaders in the area to be sound moral.

By Mohammed Hussaini Hamidu

In our modern society, the prevalence of substance abuse continues to plague communities, leaving a trail of shattered lives and fractured communities in its wake. To truly understand the destructive nature of these habits, one must delve deeper and closely examine the lives of those who engage in smoking, drug use, and similar undesirable activities. The findings are sobering, revealing a harrowing landscape of financial struggles, academic challenges, strained relationships, and a lack of integration within the broader community. It is clear that these activities offer no benefits whatsoever, and therefore, they should be vehemently discouraged.

Regrettably, we find ourselves grappling with a disheartening reality – children born in the early 21st century perceive smoking, drug use, and the consumption of harmful substances as trendy. The consequences of abstaining from these activities are severe, as individuals who choose not to partake may be labelled as insufficiently masculine or excluded from certain social circles. This warped perception and societal pressure contribute to a growing crisis. As a result, crime rates in various states of Nigeria are rapidly escalating, with a significant number of crimes directly linked to drug-related activities. The repercussions of these behaviours extend beyond criminality, penetrating the very fabric of our society. Most disturbingly, a substantial majority of patients in psychiatric hospitals find themselves there due to the dire consequences of their drug and smoking habits.

In the face of such a pressing issue, one would hope for swift and decisive action from the government agency responsible for addressing substance abuse. However, our observations within the community reveal a disheartening truth. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), tasked with combating this concerning behaviour, often exhibits a lackadaisical approach to its duties. Within my sphere of observation, it is dismaying to witness the agency’s apparent indifference towards tackling this pervasive issue head-on. Offenders caught with harmful substances can secure their freedom by merely having enough money for bail, raising questions about the effectiveness of punitive measures. Even more alarming is the existence of a corrupt system, where officials can be bribed to turn a blind eye or actively support drug dealers in what they call a “return.” This deplorable practice enables the unrestricted sale and distribution of drugs, even during operations. While I have not personally witnessed such acts, claims persist that NDLEA officers themselves engage in returning and selling drugs seized during operations back to the very dealers they are meant to combat.

It is an undisputed fact that substance abuse poses a grave threat to our society, and the time for action is now. We must not remain complacent as countless lives are torn apart, and communities are left in ruins. The consequences of substance abuse demand our unwavering attention and collective effort to bring about change.

To confront this crisis head-on, we must prioritize education and awareness. Community leaders, educators, parents, and all stakeholders must come together to instil in our youth a profound understanding of the realities of substance abuse. By debunking the misguided notion of its trendiness and emphasizing the destructive consequences, we can empower young individuals to make informed decisions and choose healthier alternatives.

Furthermore, systemic shortcomings within the NDLEA must be urgently addressed. It is disheartening to witness an agency tasked with safeguarding our communities falter in its mission. The gravity of this issue necessitates comprehensive reform. Adequate funding, stringent oversight, and the implementation of effective anti-corruption measures are essential to restore public trust and dismantle the pervasive influence of drug-related activities.

In the face of this complex and deeply rooted problem, it is crucial that we rise above complacency and indifference. We must mobilize as a society to combat the destructive cycle of substance abuse. By championing awareness, education, and proactive measures, we can pave the way for a brighter future free from the grip of substance abuse. It is incumbent upon us to break the silence, challenge societal norms, and provide support and resources to those affected by addiction.

First and foremost, we must foster a culture of compassion and understanding. Substance abuse is not solely a moral failing but a complex issue rooted in a myriad of factors, including social, psychological, and environmental influences. By dispelling the stigma surrounding addiction, we can create an environment where individuals feel safe seeking help and accessing the necessary treatment and support.

Education plays a pivotal role in prevention efforts. Schools and community organizations must prioritize comprehensive drug education programs that go beyond the traditional “just say no” approach. These programs should equip young people with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, resist peer pressure, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Engaging parents and caregivers in these initiatives is equally vital, as they play a crucial role in shaping their children’s attitudes and behaviours.

Collaboration between various sectors is key to tackling substance abuse effectively. Healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, social workers, educators, and community leaders must work in synergy to develop comprehensive prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies. By sharing resources, expertise, and best practices, we can maximize our impact and provide holistic support to individuals struggling with addiction.

To address the systemic shortcomings within the NDLEA, transparency and accountability must be prioritized. Strong leadership and robust internal controls are essential to root out corruption and ensure that officers uphold the highest ethical standards. Adequate funding should be allocated to bolster the agency’s capabilities, including the recruitment and training of dedicated personnel, improved intelligence gathering, and modern technology to enhance enforcement efforts. Collaboration with international partners can also facilitate knowledge exchange and the adoption of successful strategies from other jurisdictions.

In conclusion, the scourge of substance abuse continues to ravage our communities, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. We must answer the call to action and confront this crisis head-on. Through education, collaboration, and systemic reform, we can break the vicious grip of substance abuse and create a society that prioritizes the well-being and resilience of its members. Together, let us strive for a future where individuals are empowered to make healthy choices, communities are supportive and resilient, and the cycle of substance abuse is finally broken.

Mohammed Hussaini Hamidu can be reached via mohammed27187@gmail.com.

By Ishaka Mohammed

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has announced an online test for recruitment to its superintendent cadre, including professional and general duties. 

According to the statement by the agency’s director of media and advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the recruitment test will be held between May 8 and 10, 2023 (Monday and Wednesday).

The statement further urges those with successful applications for the superintendent cadre to start checking their email inbox and spam folder from Wednesday, May 3, for notification and further instructions.

The agency has also scheduled a Twitter space for Friday, May 5, between 3 and 5 p.m. to guide applicants on the online test. The session will also be “streamed live on our Facebook, YouTube and Instagram accounts”, part of the statement reads.

Applicants can also make enquiries by visiting www.ndlea.gov.ng or the following social media handles: @NDLEA01 on Facebook and @ndlea_nigeria on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Recall that the recruitment applications were submitted between March 12 and April 17, 2023.

By Lawi Auwal Yusuf

It is essential to understand that the community’s participation in fighting drug abuse is an effective remedy that helps tremendously in reversing the trends. Fastidious minds would think that it is beyond exaggeration, if not a mere goof, to make the dubious inference that we cannot clinch a victory over this quagmire without the community vigorously joining the crusade. No doubt, the first step to facing this insidious cankerworm bedevilling the country is dependent on the community’s cooperation.

We are at an appalling risk because drug abuse has become a serious societal phenomenon at an all-time high and regrettably remains unchecked. Youths have already been taken over by drugs which is the centre of crimes and other social vices, while some have succumbed to its suicidal trafficking. Consequently, Nigeria continues to disproportionately bear the brunt of detriments caused by this evil, which thwarts all efforts of transforming our youngsters into enterprising folk.

The emerging trends of terrorism, kidnappings, gruesome murders and a myriad of other reprehensible and despicable crimes are particularly damaging as they create social fissures, flay investors and lead to a total collapse of society necessitate coming together to make concerted clamant efforts in order to battle these crime inducing substances.

But, of course, we must take responsibility for our troubles for being obstinate in breaking away from the old way of doing things and not seeking to unite and confront this lingering peril so as to make way for Nigeria’s defining moment.

It is worthwhile to know that the war against drug addiction is not an exclusive responsibility of law enforcement agencies, in particular, the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Rather, it’s our collective burden. Each and every one of us must honestly believe that he is a worthy stake in this issue, determining to immerse himself in this national salvation giving his best shot.

Collaborative efforts are vital mechanisms for efficient service delivery to Nigerians. Genuine and active community participation is a necessary measure that will absolutely end the age of this atrocious challenge and is a vital step towards addressing heinous crimes and protecting communities. It will truly catalyse meaningful and systematic change. Thus, producing enigmatic and highly yielding episodes that will deliver on the transformation of Nigeria.

It is difficult to dislodge the significance of collective participation in fighting illicit drugs, which necessitates the public to wade in and intervene to support the law enforcers by providing moral and financial support, as well as intelligence information to forge bridges between the community and lawmen. Participation at every level is essential in obtaining commitment and achieving goals.

The need for communal efforts to augment those of the government is a key to tackling this social upheaval and the most effective tool in overcoming this intractable problem for a better society. This idea is not only framed on the goal of extricating drug abuse but also on assisting security agencies in establishing and maintaining a safer and orderly social environment. And also working on improving the understanding and trust between the cops and residents, hence, giving the residents a better vantage of law enforcement.

Nonetheless, a partnership between law enforcement and residents adds to the deepening of our sense of collective responsibility and civic bond while helping security agencies have more accurate information.

Affluent individuals can also contribute by providing vehicles and other logistics to the overwhelmed NDLEA to ease their activities. Moreover, NGOs must embark on active sensitisation to expose the dangers of doing drugs and also extol the virtues of abstaining from it altogether. Equally important as well is the impulsive commitment of traditional rulers, religious leaders and other relevant stakeholders to checkmate the threats at the grassroots level.

However, parents must always monitor the movement of their wards to protect them against the wrong hands and also keep a watchful eye on them to notice any conspicuous behavioural change.

Furthermore, we must band together and face up to the adversaries who are the centre of this issue and report any fishy movement of individuals in our midst to the security operatives. The notorious peddlers are the major concern as they are the key players that continue to supply these perilous drugs just to realise their apocalyptic fantasy of amassing stupendous wealth by all means and at all costs. This presupposes the imperative to put society’s interests at the core and make speak louder than these egocentrics and the demons who pander to them.

We shouldn’t sit idly by while the storms of egocentrism threaten our existence. We need to bolster efforts to strengthen the existential commitment in order to put up a good fight to break the jinx and weather the storm at this crux, and have success over the malicious forces.

Lawi Auwal Yusuf is the PRO and Chairman Media and Publicity Committee, Youth Against Drug Abuse Foundation (YADAF), Kano, Nigeria.