Nigerian Army, the Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, as well as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, have set out plans to collaborate in the areas of combating drug abuse, security and vandalism in Kano State.
NDLEA’s spokesperson, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, in a statement noted that the Command and the Nigerian Army announced the collaboration when the newly posted Brigade Commander 3 Brigade, Brigadier General MA Sadiq, paid a courtesy visit to NDLEA Commander, Abubakar Idris Ahmad, in the state headquarters.
According to the statement, both commanders agreed on the necessity of intelligence sharing, joint operations, and capacity-building programmes to tackle the root causes of drug abuse and prevent further spread in the state.
Speaking briefly during the visit, Brigadier General Sadiq emphasized the pivotal role of NDLEA in addressing contemporary security challenges, noting that, a significant number of crimes are committed under the influence of drugs, hence, the need for a strong alliance to combat the menace.
While expressing gratitude for the visit, NDLEA’s commander, Abubakar Idris Ahmad, acknowledged the importance of the Nigerian Army’s support in the fight against drug abuse. He highlighted the detrimental impact of drug abuse on society to include commission of crimes and family disintegration.
Ahmad assured the brigade commander of NDLEA’s unwavering commitment to the partnership and expressed optimism that, with the support of the Army, substantial progress would be made in the fight against drug abuse in Kano.
“The visit concluded with a pledge from both commanders to work closely together and develop a comprehensive strategy to combat drug abuse in the state.
“They also emphasised the importance of raising awareness among the public and called on community leaders, religious organisations, and other stakeholders to join the fight against drug abuse,” the statement reads
In a separate statement, NSCDC’s spokesperson Ibrahim Idris Abdullahi, pointed out that while on visit at the command headquarters, the Army Commander promised to sustain the collaboration between them to protect lives, national assets and infrastructures.
Abdullahi quoted the Army Commander to have said, “ We’re one and our work complement each other, it’s our responsibility therefore to nurture and maintain the excellent relationship between and among ourselves.”
In his response, NSCDC commandant, Mohammed Falala, urged the Brigade Commander to bring to bear his wealth of security expertise and experience by complementing each other in tackling security problems in the state.
“The NSCDC will ever remain grateful to the Nigerian Army as we’ve been enjoying your support and assistance in terms of training, manpower development as well as in operations and logistical support and I hope and pray this gesture will be sustained,” Falala said.
