The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, says it is collaborating with the Nigerian Army to flush out drug trafficking cartels in the State.
Mitchell Ofoyeju, Commander of Narcotics in the State, disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday after the Commander 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin-City, Brigadier-General A.O. Balogun, visited the NDLEA state headquarters in Benin-City.
Ofoyeju said the collaboration is geared towards strengthening inter-agency relationships as well as modalities to drastically reduce the activities of drug cultivation and abuse.
While expressing gratitude to the 4 Brigade Commander for the visit, he highlighted the imperative of a united front in the fight against the drug menace, which he opined poses a significant threat to national security and public health.
He said during the visit the head of security agencies in the state underscored the critical role that military support plays in combating drug-related crimes.
He also highlighted the need for joint training programmes and workshops aimed at equipping personnel from both agencies with the latest techniques in drug interdiction and intelligence gathering.
“The NDLEA is eager to forge a robust partnership with the military. Our fight against drug barons is a shared responsibility, and with your support, we can achieve significant milestones. Our cooperation will enhance intelligence sharing and operational efficiency, which are vital in this fight,” he said.
On his part, Brigadier General Balogun, who reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to collaborate with the NDLEA, emphasised that effective synergy between military and law enforcement agencies is crucial in dismantling drug syndicates.
According to him, the Nigerian Army has a long history of collaboration with the NDLEA. Together, we can bring more strategic operations to the forefront, targeting the root causes of drug trafficking and crippling the networks that perpetuate this menace.
The duo, however, warned drug traffickers in the state to quit drug cultivation and find a licit alternative or face dire consequences.
Ofoyeju, who decorated Brig. General Balogun as a War Against Drug Abuse Partner, noted that the visit reflected a renewed commitment to not only improve operational tactics but also to ensure safe and drug-free communities.