The Director of the Department of State Services in Ondo State, Samaila Sagir, has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies and stakeholders to tackle drug abuse, trafficking and emerging security threats in Nigeria.
Sagir made the call on Saturday in Akure while delivering a lecture at an event organised by the Ondo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in honour of its retiring State Commander, Nanzing Salah.
The lecture was titled “Drug Abuse and Trafficking and Emerging Crime: The Need for Inter-Agency Collaboration for National Development.”
According to Sagir, no single agency can successfully confront the country’s security challenges alone.
He said many crimes currently affecting Nigeria have links to drug abuse, adding that several suspects arrested for various offences had admitted acting under the influence of illicit substances.
The DSS director described drug abuse as a major threat to individuals, communities and national development.
He said investigations had shown that the misuse of drugs often fuels violent crimes and other unlawful activities.
Sagir commended the NDLEA for its efforts in reducing drug supply and demand across the country.
He, however, stressed that lasting success would require cooperation among security agencies, government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, development partners and the private sector.
According to him, inter-agency collaboration involves coordinated action among law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, the military and other relevant bodies to protect national security.
He said drug trafficking remained a global problem involving the cultivation, production, distribution and sale of prohibited substances.
Sagir cited the recent rescue of kidnapped victims in Oyo State as an example of the benefits of joint security operations.
He said the successful operation involved the military, DSS, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Road Safety Corps and other agencies.
The DSS director urged security agencies to continue sharing intelligence and conducting joint operations.
He said closer cooperation remained one of the most effective ways to combat drug abuse, trafficking and related security threats.
Sagir also congratulated the retiring NDLEA commander, Nanzing Salah, for serving the country for 35 years.
In his remarks, Salah expressed gratitude to GOD for the strength to complete his years of service.
He urged young officers to remain disciplined, patient and committed to national service.
According to him, Nigeria belongs to all citizens, and everyone must contribute honestly to its progress.
Salah said his career showed that determination and discipline could help officers rise in public service.
He also disclosed that he would travel to Abuja to be decorated with his new rank.
The Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Special Duties, Gani Mohammed, described Salah as a dedicated officer who served with integrity.
The Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Samuel Ibitoye, also praised the retiring NDLEA commander for his dedication and impact while in service.
Ibitoye said the celebration was not the end of Salah’s service to humanity, but a moment to reflect on his contributions to the country.
