Crime
Drug abuse, mindset that needs change – Youth Influencers
Drug abuse, mindset that needs change – Youth Influencers
Some influencers have said drug abuse, particularly among youths, is as a result of wrong mindset and attitude in managing their challenges.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in Lagos on Saturday that many people were not proffering the right solutions to their challenges, and instead, resorted to drugs.
Mr Chukwuemeka Onuh, State Coordinator, Collabo Nigeria, said drug abuse was on the high side, and many people were experiencing hardships being compounded by lack of job opportunities.
He urged those experiencing challenges to seek the right type of solutions that would better their future, rather than resort to drugs, which could only cause them more harm.
Onuh, who is also the Chairman, Festac 111, Ward C, Labour Party, said drug abuse was a mindset, because those who engaged in it got neither profit nor gain, but only early deaths and tarnished futures.
He, however said the government had a huge role to play in reducing the rate of drug abuse in the nation by ensuring that there are job opportunities for youths in order to avoid idleness.
“If there are enough jobs, most of the youths will be engaged,” he said.
Onuh also urged parents to be closer to their children, so they could monitor them and check for abnormal behaviours.
Also, Mr George Newton, Convener, Project Light Up, Amuwo Oriade, said drug abuse was an attitude that needed a huge change.
He said most drugs people abused, are for medical purposes, including medicines for treatment of diseases, but were being misused without proper guidance.
“Some companies that produce hair creams use Indian hemp, for example, to stimulate hair growth, but it’s not supposed to be sold on the streets,” he said.
Newton urged the government to carry out a massive reorientation exercise to sensitise people and help change their attitudes regarding the misuse of medications.
He cautioned against the use of drugs to relieve stress, adding that rather than feel better, those who take sedatives without prescription would become addicted.
Mr Anthony Iduh, however, said the major challenge with drug abuse, particularly for youths, was that it is readily available and easy for them to find in their neighbourhoods.
Iduh, who is a Teacher, also said youths had too much idle time available to them.
“The unemployment rate is so high. A lot of them have come out of school and they have no jobs,” he said.
He recommended sports, regular power supply, manufacturing and farming as ways to help reduce idleness among youths.
Iduh urged communities to have facilities, including basketball courts and football fields, where youths can use their energy instead of resorting to drug use.
Drug abuse, mindset that needs change – Youth Influencers
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue victim in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 1 Division Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued a civilian in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred in the early hours of April 26 at about 3:00 a.m., when troops on night patrol at Sanga responded to reports of sporadic gunshots along Ungwan Mohammadu village road.
The sources said the troops swiftly moved to the scene and made contact with suspected kidnappers, engaging them in a firefight that forced the criminals to flee.
According to the sources, one civilian who sustained gunshot wounds during the incident was rescued by the troops.
The victim was immediately evacuated to Confidence Hospital in Fadan Karshi for medical attention and is currently receiving treatment.
The sources added that troops have intensified patrols and are conducting follow-up operations to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue victim in Kaduna
Troops arrest 10 suspects in Benue offensive operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested 10 suspected terrorists during an offensive operation in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was carried out in the early hours of April 25 at about 12:01 a.m. by troops deployed at Kyado.
The sources said the troops conducted a targeted offensive on a suspected terrorist enclave in the area, leading to the arrest of the 10 suspects.
According to the sources, the suspects were apprehended without incident and are currently in military custody for further investigation.
They added that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and restore security in parts of Benue State.
The sources assured that troops will continue sustained offensive actions to rid the area of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops arrest 10 suspects in Benue offensive operation
Troops Arrest Suspected Spy in Borno, Neutralise Terrorists in Separate Encounter
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected spy and neutralised two terrorists in separate operations in Borno State, as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East theatre.
According to sources, the troops of 198 Special Forces Battalion apprehended a suspected spy on 25 April 2026 at about 21:40 hours while conducting surveillance operations along a parapet area within their operational environment.
The suspect was reportedly observed through while conducting reconnaissance on troop dispositions before attempting to conceal himself in nearby shrubs.
The sources stated that troops on standing patrol swiftly moved in and arrested the suspect, who could not provide any identification details and declined to give information during preliminary questioning.
He is currently in custody for further interrogation to determine his motive and possible links to hostile elements operating in the area.
In a separate development within the same theatre, troops also repelled an attempted infiltration by terrorists around Buratai District in Biu Local Government Area.
The encounter, which occurred late on 25 April 2026, resulted in the neutralisation of two terrorists, with troops recovering a motorcycle and a cache of ammunition after the attackers were forced to withdraw in disarray.
Military authorities noted that the general security situation remains fluid but under close monitoring, while reaffirming that troops’ morale and operational effectiveness remain high as counter-terrorism operations continue across the region.
Troops Arrest Suspected Spy in Borno, Neutralise Terrorists in Separate Encounter
Berom militia kill another Fulani herder in Riyom, as community vow to attack soldiers for arresting 2 suspects
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