NDLEA adopts ‘sophisticated strategies’ to combat drug trafficking, abuse

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the federal capital territory (FCT) says it has adopted “sophisticated strategies” to combat the rising challenge of drug trafficking and abuse.

Kabir Tsakuwa, the FCT commander of the NDLEA, said new measures are being implemented to enhance the agency’s operational effectiveness in disrupting the activities of drug barons and peddlers.

He said the command has established two additional area commands in Kwali and Kuje to strengthen its operations.

Tsakuwa said the agency had sustained raids and dislodged drug black spots across the FCT, taking into account the evolving tactics used by traffickers.

According to him, the command’s strategy has been balanced, with equal focus on suppressing drug supply and reducing demand.

Tsakuwa credited the leadership of Buba Marwa, the agency’s chairman, for the new approach, which integrates enforcement, advocacy, and rehabilitation.

He said the war against drug abuse (WADA) programme focuses on public awareness while complementing enforcement activities.

He noted that counselling and rehabilitation services are also key parts of the command’s efforts, adding that drug users are treated with empathy and care to help them reintegrate into society.

“Sustained raid operations and dislodgment of drug black spots were carried out, taking into account the dynamics employed by the barons and peddlers,” NAN quoted Tsakuwa as saying.

“There is a deliberate move to balance supply suppression and demand reduction. These two aspects are run simultaneously with the same vigour, having realised that the two are complimenting and equally important.”

He added that collaboration with other security agencies, particularly in intelligence sharing, has been crucial to the command’s progress in addressing the drug epidemic in Abuja.