1st January, 2016
GBENRO ADESINA/IBADAN
Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has called on operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, to strengthen its intelligence gathering towards identifying drug peddlers and barons in the country.
Ajimobi made the call to the agency when its top officials led by its Acting Chairperson, Mrs. Roli Bode-George paid him a visit.
The governor further recommended a three-pronged approach to the fight against the drug cartel, which included strict enforcement of the NDLEA laws to punish drug lords and deter those that might see illicit drug business as lucrative.
He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the agency on drug law enforcement, adding that the agency could not afford to rest on its laurels due to the recalcitrance of the drug dealers.
According to him, “I’m impressed with the achievements of the NDLEA under the acting chair in the area of enforcement. But you cannot afford to rest on your laurels. You need to do more on enforcement through arrest and prosecution. I will also advise that you take preventive measures by identifying drug peddlers and barons disturbing the peace of the land.
“You need to expand your information gathering network and create more awareness on dangers of illicit drugs use through the media. There is also the need to rehabilitate drug convicts as a corrective measure. This will make the NDLEA to be more effective and pragmatic in your approach to the war against drug peddling. Oyo State will continue to support you in every way we can.”
While commending the state commander of the agency for her relentless efforts at bursting illicit drug cartel, he urged the agency to make its rehabilitation centres more conducive and homely.
Earlier, the NDLEA boss had informed the governor that the agency was now targeting criminal wealth in order to strip the barons of slush funds and to stop them from using it to promote criminal activities, adding that the agency had moved from being reactive to being proactive in its latest reconnaissance strategies.
She commended the governor for his support to the state NDLEA, through the provision of logistics, which she said had enhanced its operations.
While soliciting for more assistance for the establishment of more rehabilitation centres in the state, the NDLEA boss said, “We are now targeting drug barons and drug fund to stem the tide of terrorism acts, which has been linked to drug money.
“We are moving from being reactive to being proactive. We also want to acknowledge and commend your Excellency for your support for the NDLEA. We are also thanking sister security agencies for the backing we get from them. Let me also use this opportunity to congratulate you on your second term victory.”