Its Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Mustafa, gave the assurance in following reports of a new COVID-19 case in Cross River State.

Mustafa emphasised that Lagos had not relaxed its guard, noting that protocols introduced before and during the COVID-19 pandemic had continued to be enforced in all primary health facilities to curb the spread of infectious diseases.

“We cannot say COVID-19 has completely left us. What has changed is that vaccination has improved immunity, making most infections milder and less likely to result in severe outcomes,” he said.

He credited widespread vaccination and booster doses for strengthening herd immunity, significantly reducing transmission and severity of the virus in the community.

“Many residents received multiple doses during the peak of the pandemic, contributing to increased population-level protection.”

However, he disclosed that COVID-19 vaccines were currently out of stock nationwide, stressing that efforts were underway by the federal government to secure additional supplies.

“We had vaccines before, but they have been exhausted. The government is working to replenish stock, and once available, the public will again have access,” he said.

Mustafa emphasised that IPC protocols, originally intensified during the pandemic were a routine part of healthcare delivery and extend beyond COVID-19 to cover a wide range of infectious diseases.

Core measures being enforced in PHCs include regular hand hygiene, use of alcohol-based sanitisers where running water is unavailable, and mandatory mask use for individuals showing symptoms of respiratory infections.

Healthcare workers are also required to adhere to strict clinical hygiene practices, including the use of gloves on a per-patient basis and proper disposal after each use to prevent cross-contamination.

“Hand washing before and after patient contact is critical. These are simple but effective measures that protect both health workers and patients,” he said.

While infrastructure and supplies for IPC are largely in place, he acknowledged the need to strengthen compliance and awareness among both healthcare workers and the general public.

He warned that lapses in basic infection control practices could increase vulnerability not only to COVID-19 but also to other communicable diseases, including bacterial and viral infections.

“COVID-19 brought IPC into the spotlight, but these measures are for all infections. We must continue to reinforce them to safeguard public health.”

Mustafa also pointed to Nigeria’s high level of internal and cross-border movement as a persistent risk factor for disease transmission, noting that Lagos, as a major economic hub, remains particularly exposed.

With continued population movement and the possibility of new cases emerging, he emphasised that sustained vigilance and improved public awareness were critical to preventing future outbreaks.

He reiterated the state’s commitment to maintaining strict infection control standards, underscoring that preparedness remains crucial to protecting residents’ health.

Cross River State government on Tuesday confirmed a fresh COVID-19 case, years after the World Health Organisation, WHO, declared an end to the global emergency phase of the virus.

Its Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, said the index case, a 53-year-old Chinese national who worked in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state, arrived in Nigeria on March 17.

He later developed symptoms of the disease and tested positive for it.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, confirmed the case, saying it had been isolated and managed according to standard protocols.

“The patient is in stable condition and responding to care,” NCDC D-G, Dr Jide Idris said.

NCDC further moved to douse public anxiety following the confirmation of the case, maintaining that there are currently no signs of widespread transmission.

“All identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission,” Idris said.

Source: NAN

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The post COVID-19: Prevention and control measures in place -Lagos appeared first on Frontpageng.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, made the announcement at a news conference on Tuesday in Calabar.

According to him,  the first reported case of the  outbreak involved a Chinese national, who worked with Lafarge and flew into the country on March 17, before taking ill.

The commissioner stated that the Chinese’ case became worse at the medical facility of his office and had to be taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH.

He explained that at the UCTH, his samples were taken and all protocols followed; it was subsequently confirmed that he had symptoms of COVID-19.

“We are, however, happy to report that he is doing well,” the commissioner said.

Ayuk asserted that the ministry of health had, however, been repositioned by the current administration, to handle and manage any situation – diseases or epidemic outbreaks.

According to him, unfortunately, there have been silent infections and clear cases from time to time.

“But we are determined that for every ailment, every disease or outbreak, if it is identified here in the state, there should be no alarm.

“The state will do well in terms of surveillance or containment of an outbreak. Whatever it is, we will do our best to contain it. So, there is no alarm.

“When this case was reported in about three or four days ago, we decided to be careful to confirm and ensure that the processes involved with identifying and confirming every case of COVID-19, are duly followed.

“The protocols have been followed and confirmed that a 53-year-old Chinese who work in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state has COVID-19,” he said.

On her part, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, State Epidemiologist, announced that in response to the case, the state emergency response unit had been activated.

She, however, noted that there was currently an ongoing contact tracing and line listing of those the Chinese might have been in contact with.

While noting the last case of confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cross River to be in 2022, the epidemiologist, however, feared that the Chinese might have contacted the virus here in Nigeria.

“The incubation period for this virus is usually between two to 14 days, but the Chinese flew into Nigeria from China on March 17 and started developing the symptoms on April 10.

“This is well beyond the 14 days incubation period. Like I said, we are doing the line listing of those he may have come in contact with, as part of our containment efforts.

“We have also activated the emergency response center and deployed rapid response teams to Akamkpa, where the victim works.

“There is no way we can stop this disease, but we can stop the disease outbreak.

“It will be wrong not to contain or manage it by ensuring that people do not die,” she stated.

Similarly, Dr Yewande Olatunde,  the World Health Organisation, WHO, Coordinator in Cross River, stated  that the disease was still around.

“We must explore all preventive measures to protect ourselves,” she stressed.

Source: NAN

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The spokesman of the command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, who confirmed the incident, said the attack carried out by suspected arsonists took place around 3.am on Thursday.

He said fire destroyed all the church records kept in the sacristy while the attackers also set ablaze the priest’s Lexus 350 SUV and a Toyota Corolla car parked within the church premises.

“No suspect has been identified at this time.

“Efforts are ongoing to ascertain those responsible for the unfortunate criminal act.

“Should any suspect be identified, this will be made known to the public.

“So far, the scene has been visited, photographs taken, the case incidented and referred to Okunde Police Station for discreet investigation,” he stated.

Source: NAN

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The agency, in its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, said dust particles were in suspension, warning the public to take necessary precautions. ‎

‎”Driving under the rain should be with caution.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.”

‎It advised residents to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet.

The agency predicted haziness and sunshine from Monday to Wednesday across the country.

‎According to NiMet, sunny and hazy skies are expected over the north-central region throughout the forecast period.

‎It anticipated sunny skies with a few patches of cloud over the southern region with prospects of afternoon or evening thunderstorms.

The agency also predicted light rains over parts of Ogun, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states later in the day.

‎”For Tuesday, moderate dust haze is anticipated over parts of Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Yola and Taraba states during the forecast period while the rest of the northern region will be under slight dust haze.

‎”Sunny skies with few patches of clouds are anticipated over the southern region with chances of isolated thunderstorms and light rains over Ogun, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states,” it said.

‎According to the agency, thick dust haze is anticipated over the northern region during the forecast period on Wednesday.

‎NiMet anticipated moderate dust haze over the central region throughout the forecast period.

‎lt envisaged sunny skies with few patches of clouds over the southern region with chances of isolated thunderstorms and light rains over Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.

Source: NAN

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A credible Army Headquarters source said that the victims were received along the Ikang waterways, from the Cameroonian Armed Forces at Pastors Fishing Port general area.

He said the victims, who were travelling from Nigeria to Cameroon, were abducted by suspected sea pirates along Cameroonian waterways before being rescued by the Cameroonian Armed Forces following a gun battle with the criminals.

“After their handover, the victims were conveyed to the troops’ Forward Operating Base, where they were debriefed and subsequently released,” he said.

The source added that troops deployed at Abi Local Government Area of the state also apprehended a suspected gunrunner following credible intelligence.

He said the suspect, identified as Mr Ojo Friday, was apprehended on January 20, with a total of 245 rounds of ammunition recovered from him.

According to him, investigations revealed that the suspect hails from Ochon in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State but resides at Abomege in Ebonyi State.

“The suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody for preliminary investigation,” he said.

The source reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian army to sustaining offensive operations across the division’s area of responsibility to curb criminal activities and ensure the safety of lives and property.

Source: NAN

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No fewer than 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing 883.1kg were recovered from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Igara-Auchi road, Edo State on Monday 22nd December.

In Cross River State, raid operations conducted on Sunday 21st December at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr local government area, led to the arrest of three suspects and seizure of various quantities of skunk.

They include Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671kg; David Itam David, 30, with 89kg; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26,  with 148kg.

In another operation, a 42-year-old lady Joy Oisamaye was arrested with 38kg skunk by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Abaji-Abuja Expressway on Monday 22nd December on her way from Otua in Owan East local government area, Edo State.

While NDLEA operatives in Lagos arrested a female suspect Ajoke Dauda with 45.5kg skunk on Christmas day Thursday 25th December at Agbara, along Badagry Expressway, another suspect Oluwasegun Felix was nabbed with 18.5kg of same substance at Itoga, Badagry, the previous day Wednesday 24th December.

In Takum area of Taraba State, two other suspects – Emmanuel Danladi, 39, and John Onoja, 41 – were nabbed with 48kg of same substance on Wednesday 24th and Tuesday 23rd December respectively.

In Gombe state, a 65-year-old driver, Sada’u Mohammed was arrested while conveying 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 27,900 pills of tramadol, and other opioids, along Gombe-Biu highway, heading to Biu in Borno State.

Meanwhile, a 47-year-old businessman Ignatius  Egbochie (alias  Brown) wanted in connection with the seizure of 56 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 26kg at the Tincan seaport in Lagos, has been arrested by NDLEA operatives.

The illicit drug consignment was seized on 10th December during a joint examination of a container by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies.

A follow up operation by NDLEA operatives on 19th December led to the arrest of Ignatius in Apapa.

Across all commands and formations of the agency nationwide, NDLEA officers continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

These include WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Destiny Child Academy, Nkpor, Anambra during their holiday skills acquisition training; women and teachers at Makaratar Mata Tatunawa da Marigayi Mustapha Nuhu, Kuki Gawo, Dutsinma local government area, Katsina and youths of Odokoro-Gbede, Ijumu local government area, Kogi State, among others.

While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Lagos, Tincan, Seme, Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, FCT, Gombe and Taraba commands for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) acknowledged their commitment and enjoined them as well as their colleagues nationwide to remain extra vigilant throughout the festive season and beyond.

He charged them to maintain highest standard of professionalism in all their drug control efforts.

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In its three-day weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, the agency predicted morning thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of the northern region, including Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba states on Monday.

It said later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains were also expected in Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Taraba states.

“A cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is expected in the central region, according to NiMet.”

The agency forecast morning thunderstorms and light rains in Niger, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Benue, and Nasarawa states, followed by isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains in Niger, Kwara, and the FCT later in the day.

It said the southern region would experience cloudy skies with light rains expected in Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, and Cross River states during morning hours.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are forecast across the region.

“In Northern region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected, with morning thunderstorms likely in Taraba and Adamawa states. Isolated thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are forecast for Zamfara, Kaduna, Gombe, and Adamawa states later in the day.

“In Central region: a cloudy atmosphere with sunshine is anticipated, with morning thunderstorms and light rains in Benue, Niger, and Kwara States. Later in the day, moderate rainfall is expected in Kwara, Kogi, Benue, FCT, and Niger.

“For Southern region, cloudy skies are forecast in the morning with light rains expected in Oyo, Ondo, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States. The entire region is expected to experience moderate thunderstorms later in the day.

“For Northern region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected, with light morning rains in Adamawa, Kaduna, and Taraba States. Isolated thunderstorms and moderate rainfall are likely in Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, and Bauchi States later in the day.”

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According to the agency, cloudy conditions with intervals of sunshine are expected, with light rain likely in the morning across Niger, the FCT, Kogi, and Benue states.

“By afternoon and evening, moderate thunderstorms are forecast in Benue, Plateau, Kogi, and Nasarawa states.

“The region will experience cloudy skies and light morning showers in Edo, Ondo, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom states.

“Later in the day, moderate thunderstorms are expected across all southern states.”

NiMet warned of possible flooding in Benue, Taraba, and Cross River states and advised residents in those areas to activate emergency response plans immediately.

The agency issued the following safety recommendations: Avoid driving in heavy rain and areas prone to flash floods and refrain from applying fertilisers or pesticides before rainfall to prevent nutrient leaching.

“Secure loose outdoor objects to avoid damage or injury, disconnect electrical appliances during storms and stay away from tall trees to avoid injuries from falling branches.”

NiMet advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for effective flight planning.

The agency urged the public to stay informed through its official website: www.nimet.gov.ng and follow verified updates for safety and preparedness.

Source: NAN

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‎NiMet’s weather outlook released in Abuja on Thursday envisaged isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara,‎ Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Taraba states during the morning hours on Friday.

‎According to NiMet, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Kebbi states.

“For central region, cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is expected over this region during the morning hours with chances of light rains over Niger, Kogi and Benue states.

‎”Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over Nasarawa, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory.

“There are prospects of intermittent moderate rainfall over most part of the southern region throughout the forecast period.

“There are prospects of flooding over parts of Lagos, Ogun, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States,” it said.

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‎According to NiMet, a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is expected over the northern region on Saturday with prospects of isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over Taraba, Adamawa, southern Borno, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano and Katsina states later in the day.

‎It anticipated cloudy atmosphere over central region, with intervals of sunshine over the region with chances of light rain over parts of Kogi and Benue states during the morning hours.

“In the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorm with moderate rain is anticipated over most parts of the region.

“For southern region, cloudy skies are anticipated over the region with chances of moderate rains over parts of Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states during the morning‎ hours.

“Later during the afternoon/evening period, light to moderate rain is expected over most parts of the region,” it said.

‎NiMet also predicted cloudy skies on Sunday with intervals of sunshine over the northern region with chances of isolated thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Kano and Katsina states during the morning period.

‎It anticipated isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains in most parts of the region later in the day.

‎”For central region, cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are expected over this region with prospects of thunderstorm with moderate rain over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue states during the afternoon or evening period.

“Cloudy skies are anticipated over the southern region with prospects of moderate rains over parts of Oyo, Ogun, ‎Lagos, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states during the morning hours.

‎”In the afternoon/evening periods, moderate rains are anticipated over most parts of the region,” it said.

‎According to NiMet, driving under heavy rain should be avoided, and to avoid leaching of nutrients, farmers should refrain from applying fertilizer and pesticides right before the rains.

“They should ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collisions. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.

‎”There is need to stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng.”

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NiMet’s weather outlook released on Wednesday in Abuja envisaged prospects of morning thunderstorms on Thursday with moderate rains over parts of Borno, Kebbi, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Jigawa, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto and Taraba states.

“Later during the afternoon to evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Taraba and Adamawa states.

“There is high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Zamfara, Sokoto, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina and Taraba states during the forecast period.

“For central region, there are prospects of thunderstorms with intermittent rains over parts of Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory and Niger states during the morning period.

“In the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara and Kogi states.

“There is high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Nasarawa and Benue states during the forecast period,“ it said.

NiMet forecast cloudy skies over the southern region with prospects of light rains over parts of Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states during the morning period.

According to NiMet, moderate rains are expected over parts of Oyo, Osun, Edo, Ondo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states later in the day with high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Cross River State during the forecast period.

NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Taraba, Yobe, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, Sokoto and Zamfara states in the northern region on Friday.

It anticipated thunderstorms with moderate rains over most part of the region during the afternoon or evening hours.

According to NiMet, there is high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kano and Bauchi States during the forecast period.

The agency anticipated prospects of thunderstorms on the central region with moderate rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, Kwara and Kogi States during the morning period.

“In the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms with light rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi and Kwara State.

“There is high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Benue, Niger, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory during the forecast period,” it said.

NiMet predicted cloudy skies over the southern region with prospects of light rains to affect parts of Oyo, Ogun, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Imo, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River and Lagos States during the morning period.

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It forecast the rains to continue over part of Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Cross Rivers and Bayelsa State later in the day.

The agency predicted morning thunderstorms  on Saturday over the northern region with moderate rains over parts of Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, Borno, Jigawa, Yobe, Taraba and Sokoto states.

The agency anticipated thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, Borno, Bauchi, Yobe, Taraba and Sokoto states later in the day.

NiMet envisaged high possibility of flood to occur over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states during the forecast period.

“For central region, light rains are anticipated over parts of Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau and Federal Capital Territory states during the morning hours.

“In the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over the entire region.

“For southern region, light rains are expected over parts of Ondo, Osun, Ebonyi and Cross River states in the morning period.

“The rains are expected to continue over parts of Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Edo, Oyo, Ekiti, Ebonyi and Rivers states later in the day,” it said.

According to the agency, driving under heavy rain should be avoided. The states with possibility of flash flood should activate emergency response system immediately.

“To avoid leaching of nutrients, farmers should refrain from applying fertilizer and pesticides right before the rains. Ensure warm clothing for the vulnerable persons due to low night-time temperatures.

“Ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet,” NiMet advised.

The agency urged the pubic to visit its website www.nimet.gov.ng for further information.

Source: NAN

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The state Commander of the NDLEA,  Mrs Rachel Umebuali, said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Saturday in Calabar.

She said that some suspects were also arrested in connection with the destroyed plantation, expressing worries that the locals were protecting the drug merchants.

Umebuali said that 163.9kg of cannabis sativa seed was recovered from the plantation.

She added that a total of 6,716.8kg of illicit drugs were seized by the command between January and June.

Giving the breakdown of the figures, she said the NDLEA  seized 2935kg of cannabis sativa within the six months.

Others are 129.6kg of methamphetamine, 82.7kg of psychotropic, 33.3 litres of cannabis mixture, 47.7kg of cocaine, 32.3kg of heroine, 69.7kg Opiod and babiturate, and 5gram Ecstasy drug.

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Umebuali said the command also arrested 191 persons within the same period.

“15 persons were convicted for various offences in the period under review,” she said.

According to her, what is worrisome in the findings, is that most of these drug peddlers are not indigenes of the state.

“They come here and give money to the locals who protect them by not giving out information of their unholy activities.”

Umebuali said that the command, with the active support of the state first lady, Mrs Eyoanwan Otu, successfully concluded this year’s drug day, which has as its theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest In Prevention.”

“We have also continued to carry out various advocacy programmes in various institutions across the state, with the object of reducing the menace of drug abuse in the society.

“Between January and June this year, we carried out 191 sensitisation outings to schools, market places, churches, mosques, non-governmental organisations amongst others,” she said.

Umebuali said that the challenges of the command was underfunding and  logistics.

Source: NAN

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