Seeks stronger community support to tackle drug abuse in Ogun

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over the aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed the lives of NAF personnel and others.
 
In a condolence letter to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd.), expressed sympathy to the Air Force leadership, officers and personnel, as well as the families of those who died.

Marwa described the crash as devastating and said the loss of personnel who dedicated their lives to national service was a blow to the NAF, the national security community and the country.
 
He commended the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as its patriotism, gallantry and commitment to the defence and security of Nigeria.

“In this moment of deep sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families of the fallen heroes, as well as the entire NAF family,” he said.
 
Marwa prayed for comfort for the bereaved families, strength for the Air Force and eternal rest for those who died.
 
He also assured the NAF of the solidarity of the NDLEA leadership and personnel during the period of mourning.

Meanwhile, the Agency has called for stronger community participation and collaboration with security agencies to curb drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Ogun State.

The state commander, Tijjani Rabe, made the call yesterday during the commissioning of a new NDLEA office at Olorunda in Abeokuta North Local Council, donated by the Orunda of Olorunda, Oba Joshua Phillips-Ogunsola.

Rabe said the gesture demonstrated the importance of community ownership in the fight against illicit drugs, adding that closer cooperation between the agency and residents would strengthen efforts to prevent drug abuse and trafficking.
 
He said the new presence would also enable the command to sustain operations in Olorunda and neighbouring communities and make it more difficult for drug abusers and traffickers to operate in the area.
 
The commander stressed that the NDLEA could not win the war against illicit drugs alone, urging government agencies, security organisations, traditional institutions, community leaders and members of the public to work together.
 
According to him, effective drug control requires timely information sharing, coordinated action and sustained cooperation among stakeholders.
 
Rabe disclosed that officers had already been deployed to the area and charged them to maintain professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He thanked Oba Phillips-Ogunsola for the donation, describing it as a significant demonstration of community support for drug law enforcement.
 
Earlier, the monarch said his decision to provide the facility was driven by his concern about the harmful effects of illicit drugs and his desire to support efforts to protect residents.
 
He commended the NDLEA command for its commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, while calling for continued support for the agency to enable it to effectively carry out its mandate in communities.
   
The ceremony featured the hoisting of the Nigerian and NDLEA flags, while the monarch also received an Award of Appreciation and a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) banner in recognition of his support for the anti-drug campaign.