The Niger Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has promised to go after politicians that would encourage the consumption of illicit drugs during political campaigns.

Haruna Kwetishe, the NDLEA commander in the state, told reporters in Minna on Tuesday that such politicians would be arrested and prosecuted.

“We will monitor all campaign gatherings and go after any leader found distributing hard drugs to the youth during political rallies.

“We will ensure the arrest and prosecution of any person or group of people found distributing hard drugs to youths at any of the political gatherings in the state,” the commander said.

Mr Kwetishe maintained that the agency would not also tolerate political thuggery during and after campaigns.

According to him, the command will deploy plain-cloth personnel to campaign grounds to monitor and take appropriate measures where necessary.

Mr Kwetishe said that the command had partnered with all security agencies to tackle drug abuse and violence during political campaigns in the state.

“We are battle ready to provide a peaceful political atmosphere for smooth implementation of all electoral processes in our state,” he assured the public.

The NDLEA commander cautioned youths against taking hard drugs, saying apart from its adverse effects on their health and future, they also stand the risk of going to jail.

He urged parents to monitor the conduct of their children to ensure that they did not fall into drug abuse.

(NAN)