The FCT command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has adopted a multi-faceted approach to combat illicit drug abuse and trafficking in the territory.

The NDLEA FCT commander, Kabir Tsakuwa, said on Friday in Abuja that the command has established two additional area commands in Kwali and Kuje to enhance its operational efficiency and effectiveness in disrupting the activities of drug barons and peddlers.

Mr Tsakuwa explained that the command carried out raids and dislodgement of black spots and synergised with other security agencies, particularly in information sharing.

“Moreover, in recent times, our approach to drug control strategies has been a balanced one, particularly since the assumption of office of the present NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd).

“There is a deliberate move to balance supply suppression and demand reduction. These two aspects are run simultaneously with the same vigour, having realised that the two are complimenting and equally important,” Mr Tsakuwa said.

The commander also said the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) programme, under drug demand, was driven through advocacy and enlightenment activities.

He said that counselling and rehabilitation of drug users was also not left out in the command, adding that drug users needed attention; therefore, they had to be treated.

Mr Tsakuwa said the command had been collaborating with the road transport unions in sensitising members to avoid drug trafficking and abuse.

“It is evident that the drug supply chain has certainly been affected in the FCT and most likely beyond, considering the quantity of drug seizures and the number of arrests recorded in 2024,” he said.

He said the command’s investigation and prosecution processes are holistic and intelligence-driven.

Mr Tsakuwa also said the command had a very robust relationship with sister security agencies, which transfer drug suspects and exhibits to the command.

“The command is also involved in Joint Task Force (JTF) operations where the operatives are drawn from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF); Department of Security Services (DSS); Nigeria Army; Nigeria Air Force (NPF); and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

“Also involved are Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) to dislodge criminal black spots in FCT and its environs,” he said.

The commander explained that command officers had participated in domestic and international training organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the German government, among others.

(NAN)