In a statement released on Tuesday, the NDLEA Kogi Command highlighted that drug abuse plays a significant role in fueling the insurgencies and kidnappings that have become prevalent in society today.
The State Commander, Umar Yahuza, emphasized to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lokoja that the agency’s primary focus is on reducing the availability of illicit drugs to deter their usage.
Yahuza elaborated that by reducing the circulation of illicit drugs, levels of usage and dependency would decline, ultimately leading to a decrease in social ills such as insurgency and kidnapping.
He stated, “Insurgencies and kidnappings are largely influenced by drug abuse as it is unimaginable to engage in these activities without the influence of illicit substances.”
Yahuza stressed the importance of a collective effort to combat the detrimental effects of drug abuse and trafficking in the country to curb vices like insurgency and kidnapping.
The command has implemented various strategies to apprehend drug offenders and seize illicit drugs trafficked within and through Kogi state.
Yahuza called on the state government, community leaders, religious organizations, and stakeholders to join forces with the NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.