By Cosmas Okereafor
The Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Strategic Command, Mohammad Tukur Ahmad today said that the Command from January 2025 till date arrested 260 persons and successfully prosecuted and convicted 101 drug offenders while many others are awaiting prosecution. He also stressed that, the Command in the same period equally seized about 9.058.543 kilogram of assorted drugs in the area. This revelation was made at the annual event of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day), usually celebrated on the 26th June, every year. Themed; “World Drug Problem; Persisting Issues, New Challenges,Innovative Responses”, according to the organizers was to drive home the message of the danger of drug abuse in the society and how to stem the tide, especially in the lives of young adolescents and school children. In his welcome address, Commander Ahmad who on behalf of the Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), stressed the need for government, institutions, Communities and individuals across the world to reaffirm their commitment to drug-free society and to also raise awareness about the danger inherent with drug abuse and illicit trafficking that is currently wrecking havocs in many societies of the world. He explained that, the theme of this years event succinctly captures the modern trend in drug trafficking and abuse. “We are in a world where despite dedicated efforts at examining drug abuse and illegal trafficking, the trade has continued to evolve to unimaginable trends where drug trafficking and recruitment of couriers and users is done online.
“Criminal drug dealers have continued to strategise on ways to beat the eagle eyes of Law Enforcement . We must therefore recognize the challenges that come with the shift in known ways of trafficking and respond appropriately. We must also be innovative and come up with new approaches to counter the emerging threats. Our collective resolve is to combat the menace of drug abuse, protect our communities, and safeguard the future of our youth. As we gather here today, let us renew our commitment to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and effective law enforcement efforts airmed at reducing the demand and supply of illicit drugs”, he stated. Various speakers who spoke at the event charged everyone in the society to be upbeat and stand against illicit substances anywhere it can be found in the society. Parents according to the speakers were admonished to be role models to their children, that way they argued we can have and maintain a healthy society for the common good. The event was well attended by verious government agencies within and outside the airport environment; Nigeria Customs, Immigration, Department of State Security, NAHCO, SAHCO, including government secondary school students. Awards were presented to distinguished logistics, freight forwarders and courier companies operating in the area for their uprightness in working with the NDLEA.
