Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has declared support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its crackdown on illicit drug use in the state.
Governor Ododo who was represented by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), stated this in Lokoja on Wednesday during the public destruction of 25 Tons worth of assorted drug exhibits seized by the NDLEA.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to eradicating the menace of illicit drug consumption and subtance abuse describing as a threat to the social fabric of the state.
Governor Ododo underscored the urgency of tackling drug abuse head on, citing Kogi State’s strategic geographical location as a gateway for commuters from the North to the south of the country with 10 contiguous states including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,
He noted that the location of the state could be exploited for criminal activities, including drug trafficking, stressing that his administration would leave no stone unturned in dismantling networks of drug traffickers, protecting the youth from being exposed to substance abuse and ensuring a safer society for all.
“We are not just talking—we are acting decisively. Kogi State will not be a haven for drug peddlers or traffickers. Our government is fully committed to working with security agencies, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to rid our state of this dangerous scourge,”.
Ododo further emphasized aggressive enforcement measures, community sensitization, and rehabilitation programmes as key components of the state’s anti-drug abuse campaign strategy, warning that those involved in the illicit drug trade will face the full wrath of the law.
“The issue of drugs is critical in our society, given Kogi State’s strategic location. The federal government should give special attention to Kogi State, considering the large quantity of drugs being destroyed. The recovery of these drugs today was achieved within the last six months,” he stated.
He commend the NDLEA for preventing the tons of illicit substances from making their way into communities in Kogi state.
The Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retired) represented by the Director of operations and general investigation from NDLEA headquarters, Ahmed Suleiman Ningi, noted that this staggering volume of 25,000 kilograms of illicit substances is capable of further heightening the security situation in the country and Kogi State in particular if allowed to circulate.
Giving a break down of the seized illicit drugs that was destroyed, Brigadier General Marwa Rtd said: “A breakdown of the drugs for destruction today shows: Cannabis Sativa -20,000.316kg; Tramadol – 476.864kg; Rohypnol-13.045kg; Diazepam 151.319kg; Exol-5 – 648.683kg; Pentazocine injection – 361.650kg; Cocaine -1.888kg; Codeine based syrup – 2393.94-kg; MDMA -0.305kg; Diazepam injection – 1.100kg; and Tramadol injection – 2.800kg.
“Others are Methamphetamine – 34.208kg; Heroin – 0.215kg; Morph ne1.700kg; Ketamine – 3.600kg; Cocodamol – 1.300kg; Midazolan – 3.700kg; and Akuskura (NPS) – 1,132.600kg. This brings the total to 25,229.238kg”.
Continuing, the Chairman and Chief Executive officer of NDLEA said statistics from the National Drug Use Survey (2018) gives insights into this. Just two of the facts are enough to cause a sober reflection. One: 14.3 million Nigerians, aged 15-64 years, are abusing drugs.
“That is the size of the population of some countries; and two, 10.6 million of our compatriots abuse cannabis, which makes Nigeria one of the countries with the highest number of people abusing the psychotropic plant. The statistics are worrisome when you look beyond the figures to their health and security implications.
Earlier, The Kogi State Commander of NDLEA Umah Mustapha Yahuza stated that 24 vehicles belonging to illegal drug dealers have been forfeited to the command.
He solicited the cooperation of the general public to combat illicit trading of drugs in Kogi State adding that, the command is still in possession of five tones of drugs whose cases are yet to be concluded.
Ismaila Isah
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor