The National Drug, Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) Sokoto State Command has destroyed over twenty-five tons of Illicit Drugs in the State.
Leading the destruction, the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, said the development was the first of its kind since the creation of the agency in the state where over 25 tons will be set ablaze.
He described the destruction as monumental not only to NDLEA but his stewardship as the Governor of Sokoto State.
“It is indeed worthy of commendation to Sokoto State Command of NDLEA under the stewardship of General Buba Marwa (Rtd).
“I strongly believed that, if this momentum is sustained, the aims and objective of setting this very important organization is achieved.
“Because this would further improve the security of communities, health and eventually yield into economic growth and development of our great nation,” he said.
Governor Aliyu who was represented by his Special Adviser on Administration, Barrister Umar Gandi, further commended the agency’s efforts towards the development but charged the command to keep it up for the stability and development of Sokoto State in particular and Nigeria at large.
He added that achieving a drug-free society is in line with his administration’s desire to eliminate all forms of security and Health Challenges bedeviling the State.
“The incessant Banditry, unlawful killings, Kidnappings, Thuggery and all other criminal tendencies that we strongly believed are fueled by drug abuse which must be stopped through a Drug-free style,” he noted.
The Governor urged all stakeholders from individuals, families, and communities to all organisations to continue to partner with NDLEA and be the Ambassadors of the War Against Drug Abuse.
Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtrd), said in the process of seizing the drugs over 400 suspects were arrested out of which more than 95 percent were successfully convicted and sentenced.
He explained that the drugs seized and to be destroyed include 14,561.632 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 2,710.253 kg of Psychotropic Substance, 4.00 Grams of Cocaine and 8,195. 263 kg of Codeine base syrup which give a total of 25,457.232 kg.
General Marwa who was represented by the Director of Legal and Prosecution Services of the agency, Mrs Josphine Obi, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed and supported in repositioning NDLEA for improved performance.
He commended the Sokoto State Government and the sultanate council for their support towards the agency’s achievement in the state.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to collaborate with all especially members of private and public sector, non-governmental, community-based organizations, and Traditional and Religious leaders to put people first, stop stigma and discrimination, also strengthen prevention.
In his welcome address, the state Commander of the Agency, Iro Adamu Muhammad, said the destruction of exhibits upon court order is one of the cardinal policies or strategies of Brig. Gen. Buba Mohammed Marwa’s administration.
He said this become necessary in order to stop the illicit drugs from possible circulation into society.
Iro commended the operatives of NDLEA and the synergy of sister security agencies and the general public for their collective support.
The Commander further reminded the State Government of the need to urgently resuscitate the State Drug Abuse Control Committee in order to squarely address drug Abuse/Trafficking issues in the State.