A community leader and media practitioner, Otunba Olufemi Orioye, has called for a coordinated security offensive against illicit drug networks, warning that the growing involvement of Nigerian youths in drug abuse threatens the country’s future.
Orioye, convener of the Campaign Against Drug Abuse, Kidnapping and Cultism (CADAKC), made the call in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.
He said the fight against illicit drugs could no longer be left to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) alone, urging the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant agencies to strengthen intelligence-sharing and conduct joint operations against drug syndicates.
According to him, the spread of drug abuse among young Nigerians is fuelling other social vices, including cultism, violent crimes, kidnapping and youth restiveness.
The multiple award-winning journalist said the focus of the security agencies should extend beyond street-level dealers and users to those financing, importing, producing and controlling illicit drug distribution networks.
He also urged the NDLEA to intensify raids on notorious drug spots across Lagos State, particularly locations allegedly used as hideouts and distribution centres for illicit substances.
Orioye commended the NDLEA for its efforts against drug traffickers and dealers, but stressed that sustained operations were needed to dismantle the networks responsible for the production and distribution of illicit substances.
The CADAKC convener also warned parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the activities, movements and associations of their children.
He particularly commended officials of the Ibara Correctional Centre, Abeokuta, for the arrest of one Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi over an alleged attempt to smuggle illicit drugs to her son, Dare Sowunmi, who is on death row at the facility.
Describing the alleged incident as “unwholesome and unacceptable,” Orioye said parents should serve as role models and promoters of discipline and responsible behaviour rather than encourage acts capable of further ruining the lives of their children.
He said the incident should serve as a warning to parents who might be tempted to shield or facilitate criminal activities involving their children.
Beyond enforcement, Orioye called for greater emphasis on prevention, rehabilitation and public enlightenment, urging the government and relevant agencies to intensify anti-drug campaigns in schools, tertiary institutions and communities.
He also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, teachers, community leaders and media practitioners to join the campaign against drug abuse.
According to him, “Nigeria cannot afford to lose an entire generation to drugs.”
He said early intervention was essential to protecting young Nigerians from being recruited into criminal activities.
Orioye reaffirmed CADAKC’s commitment to supporting efforts against drug abuse, kidnapping and cultism, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration between communities, security agencies and the NDLEA would help dismantle illicit drug networks and protect the nation’s youths.
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