Amotekun, NDLEA collaborate to end drug abuse in Oyo

The Oyo State Security Network Agency, code-named Amotekun Corps, has partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to tackle drug abuse and its associated security challenges across communities in the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, in a statement released on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the state capital, said the collaboration was strengthened during a one-day sensitisation programme organised by the NDLEA for Amotekun operatives.

“The collaboration aims to focus on drug abuse prevention, identification of substance-related risks, healthy coping strategies, responsible conduct and community-based approaches to promoting drug-free communities,” Oyelade said.

In his welcome address, the Oyo State corp’s Commandant, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.), who was represented by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs Adigun Yetunde, appreciated the NDLEA for the initiative and collaboration.

The Commandant stressed the importance of continuous training and capacity building for the Amotekun personnel, particularly in areas that directly affect community safety.

“A better understanding of substance abuse will enable officers to recognise emerging risks, respond appropriately and contribute more effectively to drug abuse prevention efforts within their areas of operation,” he said.

Olayanju further urged the personnel to apply the knowledge gained from the sensitisation programme in their daily duties, particularly through responsible observation, information gathering and collaboration with relevant agencies.

He noted that a “professional and community-oriented approach will strengthen public confidence and enhance collective efforts to build safer and drug-free communities.”

Also speaking, the Staff Officer, Drug Integrity Test, NDLEA, Oyo State Command, O. A. Achichi, thanked the corps for supporting the programme.

Achichi emphasised that the fight against drug abuse requires a collective effort involving security agencies, families, schools, community leaders and other stakeholders.

“Close relationship with communities places its personnel in a strategic position to identify emerging drug-related concerns and provide relevant information to the appropriate authorities,” Achichi said.

He urged the operatives to maintain professionalism when dealing with suspected drug-related cases, stressing that suspicion should not be treated as proof.

According to him, personnel should observe, verify and properly document relevant information before referring cases requiring specialised drug law enforcement attention to the NDLEA or other competent agencies.

During the technical session, the NDLEA Staff Officer, Prevention and Sensitisation, Peter Akinbode, explained that drug abuse could negatively affect individuals, families, youths and community security.

He identified peer influence, curiosity, stress, trauma, unemployment and social pressure, among others, as factors that could encourage substance use.