Army hands over seized illicit drugs, suspects to NDLEA in Yobe
Story by Sa’adatu MAINA, Damaturu
The 27 Task Force Brigade of the Nigerian Army has arrested nine suspected drug dealers and recovered various illicit substances during an operation in Buni Yadi, Yobe State.
The suspects were arrested by troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison in September, as part of efforts to prevent terrorists from gaining access to illicit drugs.
READ ALSO: Gov Buni urges Army to uphold ethics, tackle drug abuse in counter-insurgency efforts (Pictures)
The Army subsequently handed over the suspects and recovered exhibits to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Yobe on Tuesday.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Major A. Balogun, who represented the Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General M. S. Mukhtar, said the operation was conducted in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s mandate to disrupt terrorist activities and deny them access to illicit substances.
He identified the suspects as Hassan Ibrahim, Ahmed Mohammed Shuwa, Adam Jibril Jakadi, Musa Aga, Mohammed Mohammed, Isa Adamu, Usman Salisu, Mohammed Abiso, and Buba Kambari.
The recovered exhibits included cannabis sativa, soak and die, master patch, tramadol, codeine and other illicit substances.
Balogun handed over the suspects and exhibits to Garba Yakubu, Deputy Commander of Operations, NDLEA, Yobe State Command, on behalf of the 27 Task Force Brigade.
Receiving the suspects and exhibits, Yakubu said the handover reflected the ongoing collaboration between the NDLEA and the Nigerian Army.
He said the NDLEA would examine and classify the exhibits and prosecute anyone found in possession of substances prohibited under Nigerian law.
Yakubu said the recovered substances included cannabis, tramadol and other controlled substances.
READ ALSO: Troops arrest female suspect accused of supplying drugs to terrorists in North-East
He urged youths to shun drug abuse and pursue productive activities, particularly farming, given Yobe State’s vast agricultural potential.
He said drugs only destroy their lives, urging young people to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture and other productive ventures rather than squander their youth on drug abuse.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
