National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) raised alarm over proliferation of controlled drugs like Tramadol and Pentazocine which is exacerbating banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities in Nigeria.
Zonal Commander, Zone ‘F’ Sule
Momodu made these remarks during a dialogue aimed at curbing the spread of controlled drugs in Kaduna, attended by pharmacists, military officers, and other paramilitary personnel.
He highlighted the significance of peace and security in achieving Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other developmental agendas, pointing out that drug use stands as a primary driver of insecurity across various Nigerian states.
“One of the key drugs fueling insurgency in Nigeria today is Tramadol. And Tramadol is a controlled drug; it is not meant to be available, but it is available. The military will tell you that when they raid terrorists’ hideouts, they find drugs of this nature there.” He said
Reflecting on his experience as the State Commander in Katsina, Momodu recounted the acknowledgment by the State Governor regarding the indispensable role of drugs like Tramadol for bandits in carrying out their operations.
He stressed the urgency of preventing criminals’ access to such drugs, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling the issue.
Momodu revealed alarming statistics, citing 14.3 million drug users in Nigeria, with Kaduna State alone recording a prevalence rate of 10.0 percent, ranking fourth among the North-Western states.
He estimated approximately 3 million drug users in the North West region alone.
Addressing the gathering, Community Pharmacist Aliyu Jibrin assured that pharmacists, as professionals, adhere to the laws and ethics governing drug dispensing, prioritizing the security of Nigeria.
Jibrin highlighted the challenge posed by the limited number of pharmacists in Nigeria, revealing that Kaduna State, with less than 400 pharmacists, hosts thousands of drug stores.
(ENDS)