By Ephraim Oseji

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Lagos State Strategic Command in collaboration with Eagles Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI) recently launched a two-day training workshop programme in Lagos under a theme; “Anti-Drugs Field Intelligence And Advocacy Training.”

The training workshop held under ECAPI and NDLEA arrangement was an initiative born out of need to educate and equip members of the private security formation with the skills to support information and intelligence gathering to help the NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse and peddling among youths in the country.

The workshop drawn in two series featured field surveillance and ethical considerations in advocacy, facilitated by intelligence experts from the Narcotic Agency. There was also practical training on community engagement and sensitisation techniques and discussions on current drug abuse trends in Nigeria. 

On ground to declare the workshop open was a representative of the Chairman of NDLEA, Buba Marwa by the Lagos Strategic Commander, NDLEA, CN. Abubakar Liman Wali alongside other members of NDLEA staff, who commended the ECAPI security formation for their concerted efforts towards building a virile security watch in the society.

In addition, members of the executive board of ECAPI led by its founder, Amb. Samuel Eniola Adam alongside other ECAPI member that include Chief PK. Sham; Prof Atteh Oloruntoba; Det Reagan Onuoha among others.

Series of topical issues concerning drug abuse were treated such as synopsis of the National Drug Control Master plan, ethics, integrity and anti-corruption, drug situation in Lagos and way forward. Others include identification of exhibit, understanding drug abuse prevention education, community relations, syndicate delivery and a practical community sensitisation and anti drug advocacy techniques.

Speaking at the event, the President of ECAPI, Ambassador Samuel Eniola Adam said that ECAPI is a security NGO created to support, assist the law enforcement agents in the area of enlightenment campaign against crime. 

Responding on security challenges in Nigeria, he said that leaders can have open door policy to carry everybody along, knowing that security is everybody’s responsibility, not limited to law enforcement agencies alone.

“ECAPI is a security NGO in partnership with law enforcement agencies. The reason for this workshop is to create awareness and save our children from self destruction. We saw that the drug agency cannot do this fight alone and that is why we engaging them. Our duty is to supply information and intelligence reports to the enforcement agency. We will take the campaign to the areas concerned such as markets, churches, schools and all the dark spot that such crime are committed,” he said.

Answering question on how the initiative came about, Adam said: “This initiative was borne out of quest to sanitise the society from drug abuse and related crimes. The idea came while in abroad, noticing that the mode of abuse and crime in Nigeria requires an advocacy drive to curb.”

Amb. Adam noted that advocacy remains a major key to that course. According to him, the training is free, adding that the group is made up of volunteers from walks of life.

While commending NDLEA for their support, he alsoappealed to the general public to see the advocacy as a collective project.

Detective Reagan Onuoha, the ECAPI Lagos State Commander and also the National Training Coordinator of the workshop said that security is everyone business. He urged every citizenry to do something to help their communities get free from drug abuses. 

“We appreciate chairman of NDLEA, Major Gen. Buba Marwa  for giving us the privilege to assist NDLEA to propagate the gospel of speaking to our communities. Like we always say, ‘a fight against drug is a billion dollar fight,” and you know, coming here together with law enforcement agency team to advocate through the workshop is a very right step. 

“The training is basically for ECAPI members. The programme so far is sustained through the donations from well meaning Nigerians who know that the fight for drug abuse is not only meant for NDLEA alone, but for all citizens.The response is somehow impressive and we canvas for more donation to help us carry out the huge project. 

“Security is everyone business.  We have to make sure all of us do something to help our communities get free from abuses. We appeal to religious and community leaders include other prominent personality to key into the advocacy drive,” he added.

Speaking with some participants, they all showed enthusiasm for the workshop. Detective Dr. Olubo Adegeye, the national Publicity Director for ECAPI, expressed positivity with the outcome of the training, stating that she is most delighted to participate based on the topical issue treated at the workshop. 

In addition,  Detective Kemi Ewans said it has really helped to understand how to help humanity. “The government cannot do everything alone, but individuals like us as concerned citizens should be part of the crusade. Having direct link with NDLEA which is the outcome of this partnership training will also push the agenda forward,” said Ewans.

Prof Atteh Oloruntoba, a surgeon and security intelligent specialist mentioned how wonderful the programme turned out. 

“I happens to know that the united nations office for crime and drugs used to be the most busiest agency of the United Nations because of the activities that goes on there. Drug is not common in the society contrary to popular opinion that it is. The moment you engage yourself with drug, you will end up in crime. The end point of addiction is conviction.

“Drug addiction is a disease that will be difficult to eradicate. The vision of the programme is what drives the advocacy. The best way to eradicate the menace is to educate,” he said.

Also contributing,  the Baale of Araromi Lagos. Island in his views, urged govt to intervene by empowering traditional rulers with security  mandates and financial aid,  noting that traditional rulers know the criminals and hoodlums among them which according to him, requires extra mandate to prosecute.