Terrorism: NDLEA now targeting drug barons in Nigeria – Roli
By; Bayo Akamo, Ibadan.
The Acting Chairperson of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mrs. Roli Bode-George has said the agency is now targeting drug barons and drug fund to stem the tide of terrorism in Nigeria.
Bode-George stated this when she led top NDLEA officials on a courtesy call on Governor Abiola Ajimobi at the Oyo State Governor’s Office, Ibadan.
The NDLEA boss stressed that the tide of terrorism acts in Nigeria has been linked to drug money hence the need to strip the barons of such funds and to stop them from using it to promote criminal activities.
“We are now targeting drug barons and drug fund to stem the tide of terrorism acts, which has been linked to drug money. We are moving from being reactive to being proactive,”she said.
The Acting NDLEA Chairperson then commended the Oyo State government for its support for the agency, saying, “we want to acknowledge and commend your excellency for your support for the NDLEA. We are also thanking sister security agencies for the backing we get from them”.
Receiving the NDLEA boss, Governor Abiola Ajimobi said the agency needs to strengthen its intelligence gathering capability to identify drug peddlers and barons disturbing the peace of the land through a three-pronged approach of strict enforcement of the NDLEA laws to punish incorrigible drug lords and deter those that might see illicit drug business as lucrative.
He however expressed satisfaction with the performance of the agency on drug law enforcement, saying, NDLEA could not afford to rest on its laurels due to the recalcitrance posture of the drug dealers.
“I’m impressed with the achievements of the NDLEA under the acting chair in the area of enforcement. But you cannot afford to rest on your laurels. You need to do more on enforcement through arrest and prosecution. I will also advise that you take preventive measures by identifying drug peddlers and barons disturbing the peace of the land. You need to expand your information gathering network and create more awareness on dangers of illicit drugs used through the media,” he said.
Ajimobi also added that “there is also the need to rehabilitate drug convicts as a corrective measure,” saying, “this will make the NDLEA to be more effective and pragmatic in your approach to the war against drug peddling”
ENDS.
