Nigeria, India agree to block pipeline of illicit drug flow

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Tough time awaits traffickers of illicit drugs between Nigeria and India with a historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA and the Narcotics Control Bureau of India in Abuja on Wednesday 14th June 2023. Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) who signed the MoU on behalf of Nigerias premier anti-narcotics

Agency said the move represents a robust partnership in the effort to exterminate incidences of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the two countries.

According to him, this bold step taken by the two agencies is an affirmation of our foresight and commitment to the task of ensuring the safety of our citizens and the global community at large. Todays development constitutes a fundamental step towards positioning the two countries, India and Nigeria, at the forefront of confronting and dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks with brazen capabilities of outmaneuvering legitimate drug law enforcement.

“With our understanding of the changing dynamics of the illicit drug problems, locally and globally, every major organisation around the world working assiduously to curb the menace knows that working with partners greatly helps in addressing the trafficking and abuse of narcotic and psychotropic substances. The governments of both countries remain committed to eradicating the problem posed by illicit substances, notably synthetic opioids and Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) which pose a potent threat to our citizens.”

While acknowledging the courage exhibited by the two agencies in the course of past meetings that culminated in the MoU, Marwa stressed that the partnership will impact greatly on efforts to prevent illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursor chemicals, and related matters between the two countries.

In his remarks, Indian

High Commissioner to Nigeria and Head of the Indian delegation, Ambassador Shri G. Balasubramanian who signed on behalf of his country, noted the enormous negative impact of drugs on global financial and political systems, adding that proceeds of drug trafficking are often directed towards terrorism financing.

The Indian high commissioner observed that drug trafficking does not only affect the health of the individual that consumes it but equally the economy of the country as well as national security.

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

Thousands of Jigawa youths embarked on peaceful demonstration against imposition of speaker to lead 8th assembly in the state.

The peaceful demonstration which was organised by APC north-northwest Youth Alliance for good governance, Jigawa state chapter took place at Assembly premises and government house Dutse.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the secretary general of the group, Adamu Muhammad Na’ Allah Jahun described the demonstration as a visit to sensitize members - elect on the need to elect individuals with passion for the state and capacity to collaborate with the executive, to bring sustainable development to the state.

According to the group, the only way governor Namadi will redeem his campaign promises was to have a vibrant 8th assembly where both the executive and legislative will work in harmony as well as in the best interest of Jigawa.

He maintained that the demonstration also will inform the legislators to allow internal cohesion to prevail in their quest for new leadership in the house.

“We shall advise the members elect, to resist any temptation, intimidation and coercion by external forces, to undermine the process”, he said.