The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency‘s Federal Capital Territory command declared that the ongoing efforts to combat the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs in Nigeria are proving fruitful.
Kabir Tsakuwa, the Commander of Narcotics, FCT commander, shared this information during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday.
Tsakuwa highlighted that the Federal Government’s comprehensive efforts across all branches are aimed at ensuring a drug-free Nigeria, as he emphasized the strides made against illicit drug abuse and trafficking.
Tsakuwa disclosed that presently, an estimated 2,500 cadets are participating in training sessions at the Regional Academy for drug control situated in Jos.
Tsakuwa also disclosed that a recent group of 2,500 cadets had successfully finished their training as Narcotic Agents and Narcotic Assistants at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) College in Katsina.
He stressed that these initiatives were aimed at enhancing the agency’s manpower to effectively tackle the challenges plaguing the territory.
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He said, ‘Just in September, the agency with the full support of the Federal Government, hosted the 31st meeting of all Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Africa, (HONLAF) in Abuja.’
He mentioned that President Bola Tinubu further reiterated NDLEA, the nation, and the international community of his commitment to the country’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking as he assured the provision of tools to the agency.
‘The proposed amendment of the agency Act which is in the final stage at the National Assembly will further boost the country’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.’
‘The effort will also discourage illicit drug trafficking as the amendments will come with stringent punitive measures for drug offences.’
‘This singular effort shows the extraordinary commitment of the Federal government in the fight against the drug menace.’
‘This is through its legislative arm bearing in mind that drug trafficking trend is dynamic hence the need for amendment in our legal framework from time to time,’ he said.
According to Tsakuwa, the command had been benefiting significantly from consistent support provided by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Moreover, this aid has supported the agency in eliminating drug peddlers from the territory and identified problematic areas, as he conveyed appreciation to the FCTA for their support to the NDLEA FCT Command.
Tsakuwa assured the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, of the command’s readiness and dedication to eradicating drug abuse and illegal trade in the FCT and its environs.
He said ‘when the minister assumed office, he said, security of FCT was one of his topmost priorities.
‘Having established that drug has nexus with other criminalities, ranging from terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, etc, the command will continue to effectively play its critical role in achieving the overall security of the FCT,’ he said.
The NDLEA chief highlighted that the command has fostered a strong association with the Judiciary, leading to timely handling of all the agency’s cases by the Judges.
Tsakuwa pointed out that this has made it possible for the command to attain the level of convictions documented during the year.
‘We shall continue to leverage our cordial relationship to record more arrests and seizures for the overall safety of the Federal Capital,’ he said.