SHORTLY after destroying tons of illicit drugs, including marijuana allegedly used by the Boko Haram sect members in recent attacks in Yobe State, the Joint Task Force (JTF), at the weekend in Damaturu, launched a sensitization campaign to garner the support of indigenes.
The security task force, which said the campaign was meant to create public awareness on security issues and the need for members of the public to contribute towards fighting "crime and terrorism," distributed pamphlets to motorists and residents, and solicited full cooperation with security agents in ensuring peace in the State.
The illicit drugs, according to JTF sources, were recovered in various raids of the sect's hideouts and during the "cordon and search" operations of security task force in Damaturu, Potiskum and Gashua, 185 kilometres northwest of the state capital.
Briefing newsmen and representatives of the National Drug Laws Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Damaturu, Spokesman of the JTF, Lt. Lazarus Eli, said the destruction was inevitable in view of the need to discourage youths from illicit acts of drug trafficking and addictions.
According to him, most of the arrested Boko Haram suspects and other criminals operate under the influence of drugs.
Eli listed the destroyed drugs to include, cannabis sativa, locally known as Indian Hemp, codeine, tramol, tutolin, among others.
He, therefore, appealed to parents and guardians to ensure that they monitor activities of their children and wards and shield them from peer pressure and influence.
