Following the arrest and ongoing trial of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, in connection with drug business, the Lagos State Government has disclosed its readiness to collaborate with relevant agencies in tackling drug and substances sale and abuse in the state.

The government said that it would be collaborating with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Nigeria Immigration Service in their quest to rid the state of illegal drugs and enhance security.

Secretary to the Government of Lagos State, Mrs. Folashade Jaji, announced the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration’s commitment to collaborate with the NDLEA and NIS in a statement titled, ‘Lagos reaffirms collaboration with NDLEA, NIS’, on Monday.

She spoke during a courtesy call by the Commander of the NDLEA in Lagos, Barr. Calys Alumona and his counterpart from the NIS, Comptroller Bagiwa Mani, to the Cabinet Office in the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

Jaji noted that Lagos is like a mini-Nigeria that witnesses an influx of people on a daily basis despite its small landmass, asserting that collaboration with the two agencies was crucial to tackling issues relating to drug abuse and other security challenges in the state.

She gave an assurance that Sanwo-Olu was working hard with other members of his administration and stakeholders to ensure that Lagos is safe to live and do business.

Pledging that the government will continue to support all the security agencies working to ensure the safety of lives and property in Lagos State, the SSG expressed confidence that the officers will replicate the hard work of their predecessors just as she wished them a successful tenure in office.

Earlier, Alumona informed Jaji that the National Campaign on War Against Drug Abuse has been launched by the President, Major-General, Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) and the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), while the State Commanders have been mandated to launch same in their respective states and local government areas.

“The campaign in Lagos is to sensitise residents on the dangers inherent in sales, trafficking, and usage of drugs,” Alumona was quoted as saying in the statement on the government’s Facebook page.

Furthermore, the NDLEA commander sought the support of the state government towards securing a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts, vehicles, and a parcel of land for construction of a barracks for the agency’s officers.

Similarly, the Comptroller of Immigration Service, Bagiwa Mani expressed gratitude to the state government for the support his agency enjoys and also solicited more.

He observed that Lagos is the major gateway to Nigeria via air, land, and sea, as well as the biggest economic centre, promising that the NIS in Lagos will continue to work hard in securing the state’s borders.