The joint border patrol team of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in the Northwest zone has successfully intercepted drugs valued at over N24 million at the borders in Kangiwa and Bachaka areas of Kebbi State.
Comptroller Aminu Abubakar Danmusa, the coordinator of the team, reported that the traffickers were apprehended while attempting to transport the drugs into the country through the Bachaka and Kangiwa borders, located in Argungu and Arewa local government areas of Kebbi State.
He stated that the seized drugs include Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp) worth N18,746,764 and 1,000 pieces of diazepam valued at N5,743,187, bringing the total paid value to N24,489,951.
During the handover of the confiscated drugs to the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Birnin Kebbi, Danmusa pointed out the challenges faced by the NCS at the Kebbi borders, which are particularly susceptible to drug trafficking due to their proximity to Niger and Benin Republics.
“Kebbi borders are particularly vulnerable because it borders Niger and Benin Republics. And as we know, the Benin Republic is notorious for drug activities,” he noted.
He stated the detrimental impact of the drug trade on society and called for increased support from border communities to combat the menace effectively.
While accepting the drugs on behalf of the NDLEA, Commander Suleman Usman of the Kebbi Command pointed out the national security implications of drug trafficking.
Usman stressed that the issue of drugs and their consequences affects every Nigerian and required urgent and concerted efforts.