The Nasarawa State Government has directed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to identify and destroy drug farms discovered in ungoverned areas across the state.
Governor Abdullahi Sule gave the directive after the agency uncovered cannabis farms in parts of Nasarawa State, particularly in remote forest areas.
He commended the NDLEA for its efforts and observed that the existence of ungoverned spaces had made it easier for drug cultivators to establish farms away from public scrutiny.
The governor urged the agency to intensify its operations to identify and dismantle other plantations that might still be operating across the state.
The directive was among the key issues discussed during a meeting between Sule and the NDLEA State Commander, CN Saidu Daniel, who visited the governor in Lafia to seek support for the establishment of a rehabilitation centre for people struggling with drug and alcohol abuse.
Daniel, who recently assumed leadership of the command, said Nasarawa had remained a strategic partner to the agency.
He also thanked the governor for allocating land to the NDLEA in Azuba for the destruction of seized drugs and other exhibits.
The commander disclosed that the agency had recently discovered and destroyed cannabis farms measuring about 1.5 hectares each in Awe and Kokona Local Government Areas.
He said the farms were destroyed to prevent the cannabis from being harvested and introduced into the illegal drug market.
Daniel described the discoveries as significant breakthroughs, noting that the command had not recorded similar seizures for some time.
He further called for sustained public awareness campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse and urged the state government to support the establishment of a rehabilitation centre in Lafia.
According to him, the facility would enable the agency to provide rehabilitation services within the state rather than relying on facilities elsewhere.
Responding, Sule assured the NDLEA of the government’s support for its drug prevention and rehabilitation initiatives.
He said the state was willing to partner with the agency to educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse, particularly given the influence of peer pressure and negative behaviour among children in schools and social settings.
The governor also endorsed the proposed rehabilitation centre and asked the NDLEA commander to prepare a detailed plan and submit it to the state government for consideration.
Sule reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the agency’s efforts to combat drug abuse and protect residents, particularly young people, from its consequences.
