Metro

NDLEA Intercepts Codeine From India, Finds Opioids Hidden In Women’s Hair

Published

2 weeks ago

June 9, 2024

Editor

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted a shipment of codeine originating from India and uncovered opioids concealed in ladies’ hair extensions intended for the United States and the United Kingdom.

This is coming barely a week after seizing a shipment of 175,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup at the Port Harcourt Ports complex in Onne, Rivers state.

According to a statement signed by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, the two seizures followed earlier intelligence, which made the agency request that the shipment be stepped down for 100 per cent examination.

Babafemi said the latest seizure of 875 cartons of codeine-containing 175,000 bottles weighing 26,250kg, was made on Friday, June 7, 2024 during a joint examination by NDLEA, Customs Service and other security agencies.

The container marked HASU 4787890 from India was en route C to C bonded terminal in Enugu.

The statement added, “In the same vein, NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) on Wednesday, June 5 intercepted five different parcels containing illicit drugs concealed in ladies’ clothes and synthetic hair going to the United States and the United Kingdom.

“Some of the seized drugs include 620 ampoules of pentazocine injection, promethazine and other opioids. The drug consignments were seized at a courier firm in Lagos.

“In Kebbi State, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Kalgo-Birnin Kebbi road on Saturday 8th June arrested a 32-year-old Nigerien, Hassan Mummuni with 4,000 pills of diazepam and 1.250kg cannabis, concealed in four pesticide tanks, while operatives in Gombe state on the same day arrested Ibrahim Abubakar (aka Alhajiji) at Herwagana, with 6,740 pills of tramadol and 20,000 tablets of diazepam.”

Similarly, the NDLEA added that “Not less than 1,098 bottles of codeine-based syrup were recovered from a suspect, Onyekachi ThankGod Iwula, 42, following his arrest in a commercial bus at Aloma junction, Otukpa, Ogbadibo LGA, Benue state.

“In Bauchi State, NDLEA officers on patrol along Ningi-Kano road on Wednesday 5th June arrested a 20-year-old lady, Hasana Usman, with 25 blocks of cannabis sativa that weighed 28.2kg, while their counterparts in Yobe state nabbed Ali Mohammed, 42, along Kano-Potiskum road, with 19,000 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in a black sack and the suspect’s travelling bag.

“In Oyo State, 57-year-old Oladimeji Samson was arrested in a commercial bus at the Ibadan end, of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway with 79 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 44.4kg and 48 grams of ecstasy, all concealed in the engine compartment under the driver’s seat of the bus.

“Not less than 17,980 pills of tramadol and other opioids were seized from a suspect, Ali Isiaka Mohammed, 36, following his arrest at Ganaja village, Lokoja LGA, Kogi state, while the duo of Blessing Samuel, 35, and Unnanchi Mike, 34, were arrested with 804 bottles of codeine syrup at Narayi, Kaduna State.”

Also in Kaduna, Babafemi said in the statement that “Tijjani Umar, 37, and Yahaya Suleman, 35, were arrested with 33.9 kilograms of cannabis sativa in the Lafiya area, Kudan Local Government Srea of the state.

“At least, nine suspects including Salisu Sanda, 48, and James Andrew, 25, were arrested by NDLEA operatives during a raid at the Toaabora Hills area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Saturday 8th June with a total of 83.01kg cannabis recovered from them.

“With the same drive, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities among others in the past week.

“These include WADA enlightenment lecture for students and teachers of Dibal Progressive Academy, Kano; students of Muslim Comprehensive High School, Saki, Oyo state; students and staff of St. David Grammar School, Ile-Ife, Osun state; students of Wisdom Rules College, Ukpakiri, Abia state; traditional rulers and community leaders in Ilorin, Kwara state as well as a WADA advocacy visit to the Cross River state governor, Senator Bassey Otu.”

While commending the officers and men of PHPC, Gombe, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, Oyo, Yobe, Bauchi, Kebbi and FCT Commands as well as those of DOGI for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), noted their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitisation activities while he charged them and their compatriots across the country to maintain the zeal and tempo.

Metro

Edo Intensifies Sensitization Against Drug Abuse

Published

6 hours ago

June 25, 2024

Editor

The Edo State Government has urged youths in the State to shun drug abuse as the menace has a negative impact on their livelihoods.

Commissioner for Youths and Humanitarian Affairs, Alhaji Zubairu Abubakar, made the appeal during a rally to sensitize youths on the dangers of drug abuse.

The Commissioner who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mrs. Aiyebeni Balogun, said the menace of drug abuse is pathetic as it has affected youths negatively.

He said the rally was held as part of activities to mark the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse by the State Government, noting that the awareness was to demonstrate the commitment of the Edo State Government in checking the menace of drug abuse and called for more concerted efforts to curb the menace.

The rally kicked off from the Edo State Secretariat along Sapele Road, Benin City.

The commissioner urged youths in the state to “Maintain their sanity. Say no to cultism. Maintain discipline. Life is good; life is short. Say no to drugs, say no to crime, say no to drug abuse.”

According to him, “We are doing this awareness because of the Government’s concern for youths in Edo State and the nation in general. You see our youths on the street; some are running mad, some are being killed as a result of cultism and some are involved in cybercrime and some are also involved in drug abuse.

“The Ministry of Youths and Humanitarian Affairs is also concerned about the welfare and the lives of our youths and that is why we are carrying out this sensitization to mark International Day against Drug Abuse.”

The International Day Against Drug Abuse is a day set aside by the United Nations to create awareness to the teeming population on the inherent dangers of Drug Abuse.

Metro

Bauchi Govt Organizes Fabric Competition For Students

Published

8 hours ago

June 25, 2024

Editor

The Bauchi state Ministry of Education has on Tuesday, organized a state level fabric competition for students of both public and private schools in the state.

Speaking during the commencement of the competition, Dr Jamila Dahiru, the state’s Commissioner for Education, said the move was imperative to the call of the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu.

According to her, the First Lady launched a project called unity in diversity which is a competition held among youth especially, school children aged 14 to 24.

She said these students were to participate in a fabric competition where they could use their talents to showcase unity in diversity in Nigeria.

“This event is not just a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship but also a testament to the rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit that our community embodies.

“We gather to appreciate the intricate artistry and boundless imagination of our talented students, all unified by this inspiring theme: “Unity in Diversity.

“This theme resonates deeply with our community emphasizing how our diverse backgrounds, traditions, and perspectives can come together to create something truly extraordinary.

“Unity in Diversity reflects the very essence of our fabric competition. It symbolizes how different patterns, colors, and textures, much like our varied cultures and traditions, can blend harmoniously to produce stunning works of art.

“This theme encourages us to celebrate our differences while recognizing the strength and beauty that come from our collective efforts,” said the Commissioner.

Also speaking, Hajiya Fatima Garba, Director, School Services, Bauchi State Ministry of Education, said that the competition would not only bring to the fore some talented students, but it would also equip them to be self-reliant in the near future.

“Why we organized this fabric competition is because we have talented students that are creative and we want these students to be self-reliant so that they can manufacture things by themselves.

“They should not depend on white collar jobs and this competition will surely help us to bring up the best, dedicated and hard working students and the best of them will be representing Bauchi state in the finals in Abuja,” she said.

The fabric competition was categorized into four parts which included; Embroidery, Cap Design, women’s wrapper design and men’s dress design.

In the Embroidery, the Government Day Secondary School, Bauchi took the first position, Government Day Technical College took second position while Government Technical College, Tafawa Balewa took third position.

Also, in Cap Design, Government Day Technical College came first, Government Girls College, Bauchi came second and Government Science Secondary School, Misau came third.

In Men Dress Design, Hally BEES took the first position and Special Education Centre (SEC), Bauchi, took the second position while Government Day Technical College, Tafawa Balewa took first in Women Wrapper Design, Government Girls College College (GGC), Bauchi came second while Hally BEES Secondary School came third.

Metro

Rivers: Bonny Youths Protest , Shut Down Oil Companies Over Alleged Neglect

Published

9 hours ago

June 25, 2024

Editor

Finima Youths in the Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday shut down two major oil service companies: Saipem Construction Nigeria Limited and Daewoo Engineering and Construction Limited, protesting against perceived neglect and marginalisation.

These companies are key contractors in the ongoing Train Seven Project of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG). Braving heavy rain, the youths barricaded the gates, halting the entry and exit of staff.

The protesters demanded the enforcement of the Local Content Development Act of 2017 which mandates the inclusion of host communities in significant projects.

They claim their community has been sidelined in the Train Seven Project, a major venture aimed at boosting the nation’s gas production and economic growth.

Reacting to these accusations, the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) Acting General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development Charles Epelle emphasized that the matter is between the workers and the contractors and not directly with the firm.

He disclosed that engagements to resolve the issue amicably are underway. Epelle added that NLNG prioritises inclusiveness and calls for a peaceful resolution to expressed grievances.