News
NDLEA, DSS Nab Codeine Baron In Nasarawa
The Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), Nasarawa State chapter in collaboration with Department of State Security (DSS) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a codeine baron in Lafia.
The officer in charge of PCN in the state, Mr Okpalaeke Nwora disclosed this at a news conference in Lafia yesterday.
According to Nwora, the synergy with security agencies led to the arrest of the baron, Amaechi Okoronkwo and his assistant, Frederick Uchenna.
He said the two were apprehended at a shop along UAC road in Lafia on December 18, 2017.
Nwora said that the baron, who eluded arrest since 2015, was carefully monitored, trailed and arrested with 11 cartons of codeine syrup containing 660 bottles, amounting to about N700,000.
He explained that “this arrest took place on December 18, 2017 at Amaechi Okoronkwo’s unnamed patent medicine shop in Lafia and if you must know, patent medicine shops or dealers are not allowed to stock or sell codeine containing cough syrups.
“He has been apprehended and further investigations have commenced. The PCN, under the leadership of Mr Elijah Mohammed will continue to make efforts to ensure that our society is rid of such elements.”
Nwora further revealed that “in the course of our investigation, we discovered that this product (codeine) of various brands are being supplied to Lafia from Onitsha.
“You are aware that PCN and Federal Ministry of Health have been pushing for the dismantling of all open drug markets across the country.
“If these open drug markets are allowed to stay, we will continue to have chaotic distribution of drugs in Nigeria, meaning that the wrong persons will have the opportunity to handle all sorts of drugs and pharmaceutical products dangerous for the society.”
The officer noted that after investigations and all due process have been followed, the culprit would be charged to court in accordance with the laws of the land to serve as deterrent to others.
He, however, admitted that in spite of efforts by PCN, the National Agency for Food, Drugs, Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other bodies, the country, especially the northern part was facing huge challenge toward curtailing the abuse of codeine and other substances by youths.
He added that “there was a huge challenge with codeine cough syrup in Nigeria, especially in the north and Nasarawa State in particular.
“This ugly challenge is trying to destroy youths in Nigeria. Nevertheless, the PCN is working on modalities to combat the menace.”
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
-
News3 days ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
Politics5 days agoAPC PRIMARIES: FUBARA’S WITHDRAWAL, HISTORIC SACRIFICE FOR NATIONAL STABILITY ……. GROUP
-
News5 days agoCourt Sentences Seven To Death Over Murder Of Cleric In Rivers
-
News3 days ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Sports5 days agoPH Arsenal Community Set For Streets Procession, Saturday
-
Niger Delta3 days agoRoyal Father Endorses PH Arsenal Community, Pledges To Support
-
Politics5 days agoIPAC Flays INEC Over Election Guidelines Judgement
-
Politics5 days agoNDC To Adopt Electronic Voting For Future Primaries