JTF Arrests Suspected Drug Barons, Addicts In Kaduna

A joint team of officers from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force and Civil Defence Corps on Thursday raided the hideout of notorious criminals in Sabon Tasha and Kawo areas of Kaduna state capital.

The operation which lasted hours, led to the arrest of 50 suspected drug barons and over one hundred addicts as well as seizure of various kilograms of narcotics such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin.

Addressing journalists while parading some of the suspects, Kaduna state NDLEA commander, Mohammed Jibrin, said the aim of the operation was to flush out criminals out of the state and make it peaceful ahead of the 2015 general elections, warning that Kaduna is no longer a safe haven for illicit drug users or traders.

Jibrin also said the operation was the third this year since the inauguration of the Joint Task Force by the state governor in December 2013.

He commended the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Civil Defence Corps for giving the needed backup because of the notoriety of the area.

The Assistant State Commander in Charge of Operations, Goody Obanoke, assured that the suspected drug peddlers would be prosecuted after thorough investigation has been carried out and the users of the drugs will be taken to the agency’s facility in Zaria for counseling and rehabilitation.

Obanoke therefore urged stakeholders to support NDLEA towards the eradication of illegal drugs in the society.