By USMAN ALIYU

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it will intensify raids on identified drug hotspots in Edo State ahead of the July 11 local government election in the state.

Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, State Commander of NDLEA stated this on Tuesday in Benin, while receiving the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo, Mr Obo Effanga.

Ofoyeju said the exercise was aimed at curbing drug-induced violence and ensure peaceful polls.

The NDLEA boss said that the agency would undertake targeted operations before, during and after the elections to prevent criminal elements from exploiting illicit drugs to foment violence.

“We will conduct targeted raid operations on identified drug flashpoints before, during and after the elections.

“Our goal is to take illicit drugs off the streets and deny criminal elements the means to cause disruption.

“Nigerians deserve peaceful and credible elections, and NDLEA will continue to play its part in ensuring that objective is achieved,” he said.

Electoral Commissioner of the INEC in Edo, Obo Effanga, Edo Commander of the NDLEA, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, and the Administrative Secretary of the INEC in Edo, Emotimi Nicky during the visit

Earlier, Effanga had commended the agency for its support and professionalism during previous elections in the state.

According to him, NDLEA’s efforts in tackling drug abuse and trafficking have contributed significantly to reducing incidents of drug-induced violence capable of undermining peaceful electoral processes.

The REC appealed for renewed collaboration between INEC and the agency ahead of future elections, noting that substance abuse remains one of the major triggers of electoral violence.

In a separate engagement, Ofoyeju also received the President of the Faculty of Peace Organisation, Comrade Osunbor Omokaro, and members of his delegation.

Omokaro said the organisation was committed to promoting peace, accountability, budget tracking and drug abuse prevention among young people.

The Edo Commander of the NDLEA, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju presenting a copy of the NDLEA Edo magazine to Comrade Osunbor Kelly Omokaro

during the visit

He commended the NDLEA Edo Command for its efforts in reducing the supply of illicit drugs and called for stronger collaboration in advocacy, sensitisation, and community outreach programmes.

According to him, sustained public enlightenment and stakeholder engagement are critical to addressing the growing challenge of substance abuse among youths.

Responding, Ofoyeju expressed appreciation for the organisation’s intervention efforts and pledged the command’s support for initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse.

“Drug abuse prevention requires collective action.

“We welcome partners who are committed to building a drug-free society through education, advocacy and accountability.

“Together, we can protect more young people from the dangers associated with illicit drug use,” he said.

The NDLEA commander said the agency would continue to strengthen partnerships with government institutions, civil society groups and community-based organisations in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse. (NAN)

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