The escalating drug war in Katsina State, pitting drug addicts against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) personnel, has taken a disturbing turn. Observers are now questioning the feasibility of a successful resolution to this intensifying conflict. AUGUSTINE OKEZIE digs deep into the battle unfolding between the NDLEA and drug addicts
In the quiet streets of Katsina, where daily life unfolds with a deceptive calm, a clandestine war rages beneath the surface – a war fought not with conventional weapons but with the silent transactions of illicit substances. The journey through this unsuspecting town unveils a cityscape shadowed by an underworld of drugs, a truth hidden in plain sight. As we embarked on a seemingly ordinary motorcycle ride from Brahimi Roundabout to Kiddie’s Junction, the mundane transformed into the extraordinary. What began as a quest for plantains at a nondescript foodstuff vendor unfolded into an unexpected revelation, exposing the intricate web of Katsina’s drug trade.
I rode a motorcycle from Brahimi roundabout to Kiddie’s Junction in Katsina, and halfway through, the rider unexpectedly stopped next to a foodstuff vendor. Curious, I inquired, and he mentioned he needed to buy plantains from the dealer. Upon reaching the spot, he was approached by three men who seemed to recognise him. With furtive glances to ensure no one was watching, they discreetly passed a white piece of paper into his right hand. In a swift motion, he kicked the bike into action and sped away.
Despite an array of food items on display, there were no buyers or sellers, only a focus on illicit substances. Halilu Hamidu, Deputy Commandant NDLEA, Katsina State, shared insights with The Nation, representing the State Commandant. He outlined potential strategies for active engagement in the Katsina drug war, emphasizing the need for intensified efforts and effective coverage of all affected areas and zones. This includes establishing connections that can potentially disrupt the activities of nefarious addicts.
Existence of drug selling outlets
The Deputy Commandant also acknowledged the awareness or potential existence of illicit drug-selling outlets in street corners in Katsina metropolis that have yet to be discovered by the NDLEA. During The Nation’s survey of some parts of Katsina metropolis, noticeable points for illicit drug sales included areas in front of numerous cigarrete joints scattered around ‘Gwoma’, GRA roundabout, and cigarette joints in Faring mashalachi/Sharon pipe junction, among others, in proximity to a cigarette dealer’s shop.
Regarding the most effective approach to combat illicit drug patronage and sales in Katsina, he proposed a two-pronged strategy. This involves identifying and prosecuting drug suppliers through consistent raids on suspected outlets, emphasising the reduction of drug availability. Additionally, there’s a focus on public awareness campaigns, engagement with dealerships for enlightenment, and sensitisation programmes in mosques and churches. Regular raiding of markets, suspected hideouts, promoting drug free clubs, WADA in institutions, prosecution of pretending dealers were some other approaches that were proffered by Halilu.
He further acknowledged the unwavering cooperation and support from the state government, judiciary and the traditional institutions and schools. He said there were two major approaches in tackling drug abuse and trafficking in Katsina, which include the drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction. The first according to him is the enforcement of drugs laws by way of arrest and seizure of illicit drug dealers as well as taking them to court for prosecution.
On the other hand, the demand reduction aspect of drug control involves counseling and rehabilitating drug addicts, along with raising awareness among the public about the perils of drug abuse. The ‘War Against Drug Abuse’ (WADA) initiative has been implemented in nearly all schools across Katsina. The Katsina State government has actively embraced the WADA campaign, extending its reach to various Jumu’at mosques and churches, demonstrating a concerted effort to address the issue of drug abuse in the community.
Halilu emphasised that the agency is currently gaining ground in the battle in Katsina, attributing this success to the substantial efforts and measures implemented by the agency. He pointed out that the significant number of arrests made so far is a testament to the collaborative support from both the state government and local emirs. The NDLEA recently reported the seizure of 563.55 kg of various drugs, including 450.96 kg of cannabis, in Katsina in 2023, underscoring the impact of their ongoing operations.
In a recent media briefing, the Katsina State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) revealed its successful seizure of 563.55 kg of drugs. This significant haul included 450.963 kg of cannabis and 111.5911 kg of other psychotropic drugs. Mr. Hassan Sani-Abubakar, the NDLEA Commander in Katsina State, shared this information during the briefing, shedding light on the command’s activities. Moreover, Commander Sani-Abubakar highlighted the agency’s commitment to awareness and prevention, stating that the NDLEA has sensitized 77,339 individuals in Katsina State about the dangers associated with drug abuse and trafficking. Additionally, he reported the successful conviction of 76 drug offenders in 2023, underscoring the agency’s dedication to combating drug-related crimes.
The NDLEA boss further emphasised the extensive reach of the sensitisation campaign, revealing that it was conducted 148 times as part of the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse initiative. This campaign aimed to address the growing cases of drug abuse and trafficking, particularly among the youth in the state. In his recount, he highlighted the command’s achievements in the past year, noting the arrest of 919 suspects, comprising 894 males and 25 females. Additionally, significant drug seizures were reported, totaling 563.5541 kg, with 450.963 kg attributed to cannabis and 111.5911 kg to other psychotropic drugs.
“Our legal department filed 98 cases before the Federal High Court in Katsina and we successfully secured 76 convictions. We also secured the interim forfeiture of one Sienna vehicle and final forfeiture of 33 abandoned Motorcycles and one Prime Nissan vehicle.”
The commander went on to disclose that 82 individuals, identified as drug victims, were admitted for rehabilitation during this period. This group consisted of 75 males and seven females. In response to the escalating drug war in Katsina, Dr. Muhammad Usman-Bugaje, a prominent political activist and former member of the National Assembly, expressed his concern. During a conversation with The Nation on the sidelines of an ongoing dialogue titled “Tackling the Menace of Drug Abuse among Youths in Katsina State,” Bugaje insisted that the state is grappling with widespread drug abuse, creating a perilous situation. He emphasized that the journey towards victory or defeat in the drug war would be prolonged.
The heart of the problem
According to Bugaje, a report by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has placed the state as second, after Bauchi, in seizure of drugs and arrest of dealers and users. He said ‘’all the horrifying figures and information are in spite of the efforts of the NDLEA. Just to avoid doubts there, are six pages of data from the NDLEA on the seizures, arrests and convictions by states for the Northwest.’’
“Looking through these figures, we noticed that Katsina keeps coming at the top of some of these seizures and arrests. This should be well noted and the Katsina Consultative Forum (KCF) should be able to follow up with the NDLEA to find out ways we can stop the rise in the penetration of drugs in Katsina. In another survey done for the whole country, Katsina came second only next to Bauchi in terms of arrests of drug smugglers. All these are worrying and we need to get someone to do something.”
Bugaje emphasised that addressing the issue requires collaborative efforts involving the community, government, and religious bodies. He stressed the importance of preventive measures targeting youths, students, identified sources of drugs, and the reasons and risk factors associated with drug abuse in Nigeria. Alhaji Aminu Abubakar-Danmusa, Chairman of the Katsina Consultative Forum (KCF), also shared insights on the drug war. He stated that the purpose of the gathering is to find a lasting solution to the menace in the state. Abubakar-Danmusa highlighted that the chosen theme reflects an unwavering commitment to safeguard the future of the state.
The ongoing drug war in Katsina State may still be a topic for debate on whether it is winnable or not. However, in the minds of many Katsina citizens, the end of the war seems imminent, given the concerted efforts of the NDLEA and other stakeholders in the fight.
