… As HOIO pledges continued support to NDLEA

By Lawani Mikairu

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Muhamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called for a collective effort to combat drug trafficking and usage in the country.

This is even as the Home Office International Operations (HOIO) of the United Kingdom has pledged continuous support and collaboration with the NDLEA in its fight against drug trafficking in the country.

Speaking at this year’s United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held in Lagos, the NDLEA boss warned against drug abuse, noting that it is better to avoid it than to get out of it.

The NDLEA boss, who was represented by the director in charge of seaport operations, Archieabis Ibinabo said “Governments at all levels, law enforcement agencies, health professionals, communities, social workers and individuals

to work collaboratively in reducing drug demand while at the same time disrupting drug supply.”
Ibinabo was represented by the Commander Tin-can Strategic Command, Solomon Omotosho.

The boss further noted that “You will agree with me that if there is no demand, there wouldn’t be supply.
“Then we need to promote recovery efforts and that is what we are doing, you see the rehabilitation center all over the nation by the present administration and to protect society from the harmful effect of illicit drugs.

“Together we can fight against this dreadful scourge of substance abuse and Illicit trafficking in our society.
“In conclusion, the take home from this day and event is for us as individuals, families is to take the bull by the horn. Drug Abuse is better imagined, don’t go into it because if you go into it, it takes divine intervention to get out of it,” he noted.

Speaking at the event, representative of the HOIO, Edward Wales, said the collaboration between the two bodies has helped the fight against drug and Illicit trafficking.

In his words, “I am very grateful for the close collaboration we share and the successes we have seen.
“This is a product of working together, trust and shared expertise.

“We are united by the same goal which is to disrupt the international criminal networks for the benefit of citizens in Nigeria and in the UK and citizens around the world.

“It is great to see my colleague, Commander at Apapa, Tin-can and Export who are here today and also the Commander at Lekki and also my team in London.

“In closing, l will just want to restate and reaffirm our share commitment in working together to strengthen our corporations and continue to get good results in our fight against drugs,” he noted.