Borno demolishes illegal structures over sale of illicit drugs

Borno State government has demolished illegal shops and structures in Maiduguri metropolis, Jere and Konduga Local Councils.

The demolished structures, which included containers and makeshift shops, were allegedly points for selling marijuana and other narcotic drugs.

Leading the demolition exercises, yesterday, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kaka Shehu Lawan, who also doubles as the Commissioner of Environment, said the clampdown was to curb massive consumption of cannabis and other prohibited drugs, especially as most of the consumers of marijuana and other illicit drugs are youths.

The Environmental Task Force (ETF) along with the Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) and Civilian JTF assisted the commissioner in the demolition exercise.

At the Legacy Garden Housing Estate in Bulumkutu Ward, dozens of makeshift shops and other illegal structures were pulled down and cleared from the Airport road and Pompomari bye-pass.

According to the commissioner, the demolished illegal shops and containers have been harbouring a lot of marijuana and other drug dealers and consumers.

“During the demolition exercise, illicit substances, including cannabis, codeine, tramadol, charms, and weapons comprising machetes, knives, bows and arrows were retrieved from demolished shops and structures,” he said.

He added that most of the illegal structures were occupied by miscreants terrorising innocent citizens by daily snatching their cellphones and other personal belongings.

He disclosed that the demolition was sequel to several warnings and structures’ removal orders by the state government, which fell on deaf ears, disclosing that anyone with genuine land documents from government would be exempted from the ongoing demolition exercise.

He warned that government would not fold its arms on the continued sale and consumption of marijuana, codeine, tramadol and other illicit drugs in the state.

Lawan, therefore, urged the people to support the state government’s fight against the sale and consumption of hard and other illicit drugs.

“You should report any criminal activities and illegal operations in makeshift shops to security agencies for prompt action,” he said.