The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has clarified the purpose of its operatives’ presence on Admiralty Way, Lekki, Lagos State, after comedian Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, inquired about the situation.
As gathered by News About Nigeria, the agency stated that the stop-and-search operation was not a regular occurrence but was conducted based on intelligence to protect residents from the activities of drug dealers and disrupt the supply chain of illicit substances.
Basketmouth had raised concerns about the stop-and-search activities on Admiralty Way in Lekki, prompting a response from the NDLEA.
The agency’s reply emphasised the importance of cooperation from the public in their efforts to combat drug-related issues and ensure the community’s safety.
“Thanks @basket_mouth The men are on authorized duty based on intelligence, their presence there is not a regular occurrence. It’s part of efforts to protect residents from the activities of drug dealers and disrupt the supply chain of illicit substances. The cooperation of all is key,” the agency wrote.
In a related development, the NDLEA says it is working to facilitate the travel arrangements and treatment for a boy named Eromosele Omhonria, who suffered injuries from a stray bullet fired by NDLEA operatives on July 13, 2023.
The incident occurred when broken glass entered the boy’s eyes after his brother, Ivan Omhonria, was shot dead during an NDLEA operation.
NDLEA’s Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), expressed the agency’s commitment to addressing the situation and supporting the boy’s medical treatment in the United States.
Marwa also stressed the importance of combating drug trafficking in Nigeria and sought the cooperation and support of the state government and other stakeholders in this ongoing fight against drug-related issues in the country.
