POLICE, NDLEA VOW TO CRUSH DRUG-FUELLED VIOLENCE AS CP DAAOR VISITS NDLEA COMMAND

 POLICE, NDLEA VOW TO CRUSH DRUG-FUELLED VIOLENCE

AS CP DAAOR VISITS NDLEA COMMAND

The Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju and the Commissioner of Police in the State CP Patrick Daaor, psc are strategising ahead of the general election next year, with a stern warning to criminal elements planning to disrupt the peace of the state to have a rethink. The warning came at the weekend when the Commissioner of Police, Daaor, paid a courtesy visit to the Edo State Command of the NDLEA at its headquarters, Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City.

CP Daaor, who was received by the Edo State Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, and senior officers of the Command, said the visit was to deepen inter-agency synergy in the fight against illicit drugs, violent crimes and election-related violence.

According to Daaor, “there is an inseparable link between drugs and crime, stressing that most cases of cultism, armed robbery, thuggery and electoral violence are fuelled by drug abuse”.

In his remarks, the NDLEA Commander, CN Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, commended CP Daaor for the visit, describing it as strategic and timely, especially as the political season approaches.

Ofoyeju lauded the political will of Governor Monday Okpebholo and strict posture against kidnappers, terrorists and other enemies of the State. He disclosed that drug abuse is a major enabler of electoral violence, adding that the Command has already mapped out strategies under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative to sensitise youths against being used as political thugs.

"Even the devil is aware of the hard position of Governor Monday Okpebholo against kidnappers, terrorists and criminal elements. As we approach the general election next year, we are aware that some elements may want to use drugs to recruit and embolden thugs. We are sending a clear warning: Edo State will be too hot for criminals. Anyone caught with drugs or planning to foment trouble during the election will be arrested and prosecuted," Mitchell warned.

"We have the intelligence; we now have stronger collaboration with the police, and we will not spare anyone who wants to jeopardise the peace of Edo State before, during and after the election," Ofoyeju added.

He noted that under the leadership of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), CON, the NDLEA remains committed to supply reduction and demand reduction and will work with the Police to dismantle drug joints and black spots across the three senatorial districts.

The police boss assured that the command under his watch will provide intelligence and operational support to the NDLEA and ensure that both agencies work as one family to secure Edo State.

The highlight of the visit was the decoration of CP Patrick Daaor as a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Partner by Commander Ofoyeju, in recognition of his outstanding support for the anti-drug war. There were also exchanges of souvenirs.

CP Daaor was accompanied by members of his management team, while the NDLEA Commander was joined by his deputy, Victor Isibor, Assistant Commanders and Heads of Units.

Both leaders pledged to sustain joint operations, intelligence sharing and advocacy to ensure a drug-free, crime-free and peaceful general election in Edo State.