… As NSCDC beefs up national security ahead Easter celebration***

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said not less than 677 drug traffickers have been convicted and sentenced to various jail terms between January and March.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Also read: NDLEA intercepts 101 parcels of cocaine at Lagos airport

Babafemi said that a total of 3,359 persons were arrested and 65,915.891 kilograms of assorted drugs seized within the same period.

He added that no fewer than 2,223 drug users were also counselled through brief interventions and rehabilitated in NDLEA facilities across the country in the first quarter of 2022.

These he said were figures that represented a fair balance between the agency’s drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities.

According to him, Lagos has the highest figure for drug seizures with 22,192.62 kilograms of illicit substances recovered from some parts of the state.

“This is followed by the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Command, Ikeja, also in Lagos, with 8,979.869kg of drugs seized between January and March.

While Kano and Kaduna led the pack in the arrests of offenders with 194 arrests each within the same period,” he said.

Babafemi said that a total of 257 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed in forests across Ondo state, adding that 14.869 hectares suffered the same fate in Edo and a hectare was destroyed in Bayelsa state within the same period.

“A further breakdown of the drugs seized within the first quarter of the year shows cannabis leading the table in January with 8,205.75kg.

“Followed by Codeine -414.281kg; Diazepam -192.459kg; Tramadol -135.067kg; Rophynol -43.062kg and Cocaine -24.32kg.

“In February, Cannabis also topped the list of seizures with 20,538.79kg; Codeine -1,848.052kg; Tramadol -540.354kg; Diazepam -137.041kg; Rophynol -80.261kg; Cocaine -15.727kg; Methamphetamine – 6.207kg and Heroin – 4.006kg.

“Cannabis also topped the list of seizures in March with 21,583.81kg; followed by Tramadol -8,965.319kg; Codeine -417.207kg; Diazepam -57.755kg; Cocaine -45.082kg; Methamphetamine -7.527kg; Rophynol -6.34kg and Heroin -1.497kg, ” he said.

Babafemi quoted the Chairman, NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa as appreciating the commitment of officers and men of the agency for a commendable performance in the first quarter of 2022.

Marwa urged them not to rest on their oars, assuring them that every outstanding performance would always attract commensurate commendation and reward.

In the meantime, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has said that security has been beefed up across the country for the Easter celebration.

This is contained in a statement issued by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Mr Olusola Odumosu and released to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Odumosu, NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Audi, ordered the massive deployment of personnel from State, Zonal Commands and the National Headquarters to suspected flash points.

He said that the deployed personnel are to strengthen security in places of worship, recreational facilities, markets, shopping malls, parks, gardens and other densely populated areas.

“This is to guard against unwanted activities of criminals whose intention is to sabotage government efforts.

“And also to cause mayhem as Christians commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” he said.

He said that there are new security measures in place to forestall any breach of peace during the celebration.

“The activities of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other similar groups in the country portends serious dangers for the country.

“Hence, the need for more drastic strategic action in order to prevent the manifestation of various threats being unleashed by the enemies of the country,” he said.

Odumosu said the CG advised State Commandants to include Private Security Guards (PSG) in security arrangements for broad nooks and crannies coverage.

He felicitated with all Christian faithful on the Easter celebration, assuring that the NSCDC in synergy with other security agencies would work tirelessly towards a hitch-free celebration.

The newsmen report that the Federal Government had declared Friday, April 15 and Monday, April 18 as public holidays to celebrate Easter.