The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Apapa Strategic Command has unveiled an initiative to increase awareness of the potential health, social, and legal consequences of illicit
By Aisha Cole
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Apapa Strategic Command has unveiled an initiative to increase awareness of the potential health, social, and legal consequences of illicit drug use and trafficking.The Assistant Commander of Narcotics, Buba Wakawa, announced this at a news onference in Lagos on Monday, ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports United Nations designated June 26 as a day to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Wakawa stated the command plans to conduct awareness campaigns within the Apapa Port and its host communities, which fall under the Command’s area of operations.
He said: “The theme: The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention. Beak the Cycle”, will allow us to strengthen actions and cooperation in curtailing the availability, accessibility, and affordability of drugs.
“If we are to guarantee sound health and security in our communities, we must address drugs, as they have been found to aggravate conflicts, crime, and new waves of insecurity, such as kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
“The command will align with the agency’s National Headquarters initiative, with a lineup of commemorative activities. These began with Juma’at Prayers at the ENL and CPC Mosque on June 20, followed by a Church commemorative service on June 22 at the ECWA Church, Marine Beach.
“Press Briefing today Monday and Road Walk Awareness Campaign against Drug Abuse on this Tuesday. Debate on Drug Abuse among 12 selected secondary schools in Apapa Local Government, the climax of the Commemoration will be a Grand Finale and Town Hall engagement on Thursday.”
Wakawa said that the objective of the engagement was to bring together broad spectrum of the society, the schools and students, regulatory government and sister security agencies.
The commander said others were the terminal operators and stakeholders, the Press and Media in unionism of one voice against Drug Abuse and the Illicit Trafficking.
He appreciated all the stakeholders, especially its foreign counterparts, the regulatory government and sister security agencies and other Maritime Union at the port for the synergy and cooperation.
Wakawa noted that this collaboration had led to various drug seizures, effectively cutting off the supply chain of “merchants of death,” adding that “the cycle could be broken, and together we could make it happen.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)