Anti-Terror boss calls for aggressive campaign against drug abuse

By Ochiaka Ugwu

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Maj-Gen Adamu Garba Laka has called for aggressive campaign against drug abuse.

Gen. Laka who made this known when he bagged award of “Africa’s Beacon of Hope” from officials of the ECOWAS Youth Alliance in Abuja.

In a press statement released in Abuja Friday signed by Head, Strategic Communication, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Mr. Abu I. Michael, it noted that Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, has commended the campaigns embarked upon by various youth groups against the use of drugs and substance-abuse especially among the youths.

“Gen.Laka gave the commendation, while receiving an award in view of his commitment to the counter terrorism efforts and Stirling leadership qualities, “Africa’s Beacon of Hope” from officials of the ECOWAS Youth Alliance, today at the NCTC office complex in Abuja”.

He said the effects of drugs and substance abuse have been counterproductive and that the nexus between drug-abuse and crimes was obvious, urging various youth groups and organisations to pursue aggressive campaigns against drug abuse especially among youths in Nigeria, other states of West Africa and the Sahel. According to him, many violent-related cases were induced by drug abuse.

“The counter terrorism boss also called on youth organisations in the region and the Sahel to work towards ensuring the return of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger back to the ECOWAS’ fold, pointing out that Africans are one irrespective of the geographic boundaries.

“The officials of the ECOWAS Youth Alliance were led by Honourable James Uneze from Nigeria, and the Secretary, Honourable Austine Kwassi from Cote D’Ivoire who presented the award and medal of “Champion” to General Laka” the statement concluded.