Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
Recent reports by the National Bureau of of statistics, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, UNODC, show about 14.3 million Nigerians abuse drugs out of which close to 3 million suffered from a Drug Use Disorder.
On this backdrop, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is seeking the assistance of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police in the area of capacity building and manpower development targeted at curbing illicit drug activities in the country.
The Director Internal Affairs NDLEA, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Hamisu Lawal (mni), made the request when he led a team of officers of the Agency on a courtesy visit to the Provost Marshal (Army) Maj Gen Olumuyiwa Aiyenigba at the Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, Abuja.
He said the existing cordial relationship between the two institutions has contributed to the growth and development of the nation, especially in curbing drug trafficking, illicit drugs activities and other related issues in the country.
Lawal, also affirmed the agency’s unalloyed belief in the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police as a credible institution in its area of responsibility.
Responding, the Provost Marshal (Army) appreciated the Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, NDLEA and his team for the visit and encouraged the agency to continue in its efforts at curbing illicit trafficking which will make the country drug-free society.
He assured them of the support of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police in the area of kinetic and non-kinetic operations, so as to ensure that the challenges of illicit drugs are reduced to the barest minimum.
Maj Gen Aiyenigba, also commended the Chairman of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retired) for changing the narratives of the agency in combating illicit drug trafficking, sales and consumption.
Highlights of the event included signing of the visitors book, decorating the Provost Marshal Army with War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) badge as WADA Ambassador, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.
