President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to actively support the fight against illicit drugs by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities in their communities to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA).
Tinubu, who described the recent dismantling by NDLEA of a Nigerian-Mexican drug network in Ogun State as a landmark, said combating drug trafficking should not be viewed as the responsibility of the agency alone.
He warned that the growing influence of international drug networks poses a serious threat to national security and the future of young Nigerians.
“I call on all Nigerians to see the fight against illicit drugs not NDLEA’s alone. Everyone has a role to play. We must remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within our communities to assist security agencies in combating criminal networks,” he said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said the Ogun operation by the agency was a significant achievement in the fight against organised crime. He expressed joy that the operation led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local kingpins and other collaborators as well as the seizure of chemicals and illicit drugs worth more than $360 million.
“This successful operation, which led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local kingpins and other collaborators, as well as the seizure of chemicals and illicit drugs valued at over $360 million, demonstrates exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics,” he said.
The President commended NDLEA’s operatives for their bravery and professionalism but urged them not to relent in the battle against drug trafficking.
“I commend the bravery, resilience, and dedication displayed by operatives of the NDLEA throughout this mission. I urge them not to be complacent in confronting the menace of drug trafficking,” Tinubu said.
He also raised concerns about the increasing use of West Africa as a transit corridor by international drug cartels moving cocaine, synthetic drugs and unregulated pharmaceuticals to Europe and North America.
Tinubu warned that beyond security implications, the narcotics trade poses a serious threat to the younger generation, many of whom have become victims of substance abuse and criminal exploitation.
The President said the Ogun State breakthrough sends a clear message that Nigeria’s security agencies remain committed to combating organised crime and ensuring that criminal networks are brought to justice.
