NDLEA Seeks Nasarawa Government’s Support for Drug Rehabilitation Centre

 

By Atlantic Reports

The state Commander of the agency, Mr Saidu Daniel, made the appeal on Tuesday during a familiarisation visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule in Lafia.

Daniel commended the governor for allocating land to the agency in Azuba for the destruction of exhibits and seized drugs, describing the state government as a strategic partner in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

He said the command had recorded significant breakthroughs in drug control operations since he assumed office in the state.

The commander disclosed that the agency had recently discovered and destroyed cannabis farms measuring about 1.5 hectares each in Awe and Kokona Local Government Areas.

“It is important because, for some time now, we have not come across such kinds of exhibits.

“We discovered farms measuring about 1.5 hectares in Awe and Kokona. We have destroyed them because we cannot allow the owners to harvest the cannabis. If they harvest it, it will enter the market,” he said.

NDLEA Calls for Rehabilitation and Public Awareness

Daniel stressed the need for sustained public sensitisation on the dangers of drug abuse, particularly among young people.

He said establishing a rehabilitation centre in Lafia would enable the agency to provide treatment and support services within the state, improving access for people battling drug and alcohol abuse.

Responding, Governor Sule assured the NDLEA of the state government's support for public awareness campaigns against drug abuse and efforts to establish the proposed rehabilitation facility.

The governor observed that children could be influenced by their peers to engage in harmful activities, including drug abuse, both in schools and social settings.

“You never can tell; children get involved with other children and do a lot of things.

“Sometimes they do them in schools, sometimes they do them with friends. So, if you are going to engage in some kind of protection and awareness to protect our children, you have our support,” he said.

Sule commended the commander for the initiative and pledged the state government's partnership with the agency to ensure its success, including the establishment of the rehabilitation centre.

He urged Daniel to prepare a detailed proposal for the facility and submit it to the state government for consideration.

Governor Orders Stronger Action Against Cannabis Farms

On the discovery of the cannabis farms, Sule observed that extensive stretches of ungoverned land in some parts of the state made it possible for people to cultivate cannabis in remote locations.

He urged the NDLEA to intensify efforts to identify and destroy more illegal cannabis farms to prevent the cultivation and distribution of illicit drugs across Nasarawa State.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.