Some prostitutes and their patrons in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, have gotten a bitter experience as an enforcement team raided a brothel and arrested over 300 of the women and their customers.
The operation was led by the chairman of Damaturu local government area, Alhaji Bukar Adamu, to some drug spots and brothels within the state capital and its environs.
LEADERSHIP gathered that last month, credible intelligence and, in collaboration with security agencies, the enforcement team, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), stormed several spots known for drug abuse and trafficking in illicit substances, including Zango, YBC, Bakin Kasuwa, Maduri and Daki Goma.
During the exercise operation, several suspects were found in possession of suspected illicit drugs and substances.
According to the chairman, the operation was part of a broader mission to dismantle identified enclaves that harbour criminal activities, especially the sale and open consumption of prohibited and controlled drugs.
He added, “I want to tell you that, this effort is in strict compliance with the directive of Governor Mai Mala Buni, who has declared zero tolerance for drug abuse and charged local government authorities and traditional institutions to act swiftly in addressing this growing menace.”
The NDLEA, in a statement, confirmed that several joints and drug hubs were raided during the operation. The arrests mark the beginning of a sustained effort to rid Damaturu of drug-related crimes and restore social order.
“We are targeting both the supply and consumption chains of illicit drugs. Low-level dealers and users will be brought to justice, and we will continue to expand our surveillance and enforcement activities throughout the week,” the statement added.
The Damaturu raid is the first major enforcement action under this renewed statewide anti-drug campaign, and more operations are expected to follow across the remaining 16 local government areas.
The public is encouraged to support the initiative and report any suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods. As the campaign continues, authorities have assured that the public will be updated regularly as developments unfold.
LEADERSHIP learn that, the Yobe State Police Command, in collaboration with the state government, has launched a joint security operation to combat the alarming rise of drug abuse and trafficking in the state. This initiative aims to curb the menace, which has led to increased crime rates in some areas.
The commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Ado, has expressed a strong commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking. He said the command will continue to work with stakeholders to provide support services, conduct awareness campaigns, and enforce laws to protect citizens.
In another significant development, Yobe State Hisbah Commission, in a joint security operation, raided another Walawa community in Garin Alkali, Bursari local government area, where several arrests and seizures were made during the operation.
The chairman of the Commission, Dr Yahuza Hamza, said the operation was aimed at curing immoral and antisocial activities that harm the moral fabric of our society.
According to him, a large consignment of alcohol, equivalent to four truckloads, was confiscated during the exercise.
He said a total of 84 persons were arrested, comprising 50 women and 34 men engaged in prostitution.
The commission also sealed all the houses involved in the acts. All the suspects are in custody and will be duly charged in court in accordance with the laws of the state.
