Drug Situation in Kogi Alarming, Says NDLEA »

Praises state government’s collaboration in advocacy against drug abuse

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised concerns over the escalating drug situation in Kogi State, describing it as alarming and a significant threat to public health and security.

This was made known by the Kogi State Commandant of NDLEA, Mr. Umar Mustapha Yahuza during a press briefing in Lokoja as part of a week long activities in commemoration of the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking.

Mr. Yahuza highlighted a disturbing increase in the availability and consumption of illicit drugs across the state. “The drug situation in Kogi is reaching alarming levels, we are witnessing a rise in the trafficking and abuse of substances such as cannabis, methamphetamine, diazapam, tramadol, codeine, and various prescription medications being used illicitly,” he stated.

He said the NDLEA’s latest crackdown efforts revealed the severity of the problem, with numerous arrests and seizures made in recent months. According to the Commandant, over 149 individuals have been apprehended for drug-related offenses in the first half of the year alone, with seized assorted drugs totaling 1.699.098kg and several large-scale drug operations have been dismantled.

Despite the grim statistics, the NDLEA praised the Kogi State government for its proactive stance and collaboration in the fight against drug abuse. The Commandant commended the state government’s efforts in supporting advocacy programs aimed at educating the public on the dangers of drug abuse. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in fostering a supportive environment for the agency’s operations.

The NDLEA is intensifying its efforts to combat the drug menace through a combination of enforcement, education, and rehabilitation initiatives. The agency is collaborating with local communities, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and to encourage community-based interventions.

On its part, the Kogi State government pledged its continued support to the agency’s efforts by supporting preventive programs and enhancing the state’s rehabilitation facilities. The Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to tackling the drug problem, stressing that prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation must go hand in hand.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Hon. Eunice Achimugu, assured that the government is commited to working will all relevant stakeholders is not only tackling the menace of drug abuse, but also ensuring that those who are affected are rehabilitated and integrated properly into the society.

The NDLEA and Kogi State government through the ministry of youth and sports development have jointly launched a series of community sensitization programs, aimed at educating young people about the dangers of drug abuse and encouraging them to seek help. These activities which began on 20th of June is expected to end on Wednesday the 26th with a grand finale, while the Kogi command of the NDLEA will hold a road walk show on Tuesday to sensitize the public on the dangers of drug abuse.