Mr Yakubu Kibo, the Adamawa State Commander of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has lauded the increase in public awareness and support in the fight against drug abuse in the state.
Kibo made the commendation in an interview with the newsmen in Yola.
Kibo said people in state were now more aware of dangers of drugs through various groups and associations that were helping the agency to campaign against drugs.
“To be frank, the drug situation in Adamawa is reducing because people are now getting aware of the dangers of drugs.
“The people are now helping us to spread the message; just last week I was in Numan town on the invitation of an NGO that is mobilizing against drug abuse in the area.
“We have many invitations from youth groups, religious bodies and motor parks to participate in their respective campaign against drug abuse.
“And the best way to address this drug problem is to enlighten the people. Once the people are enlightened about the dangers of drug things will be better, ” Kibo said.
On recent successes recorded in the fight against drugs in Adamawa, Kibo said one ton cannabis sativa and 1.3 tons of tramadol were seized at two separate operations by the command.
“We also arrested about 52 youths known as Shila boys in a joint operation with other security agencies at a criminal hide out known as semi Sambisa. Those we found with drugs have been charged to court, while the rest where given what we called Quick Intervention Counseling and handed them over to their parents,” Kibo said.
On challenges facing the command, Kibo listed funding, inadequate staff and vehicle.
“In the whole of Adamawa state we have only two operational vehicles serving the seven area offices; any office that want to go on operation had to apply to Yola for a vehicle,” Kibo said.
