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UN Advocates Continued International Cooperation to Tackle Drug Trade

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UN Advocates Continued International Cooperation to Tackle Drug Trade

UN Advocates Continued International Cooperation to Tackle Drug Trade

By: Michael Mike

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres has advocated for continued international cooperation to curb illicit drug trade and hold accountable those who profit human misery.

Guterres, in his message on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Sunday also said science-based treatment and support services must be strengthened for drug users, while treating them as victims who need treatment rather than punishment, discrimination and stigma.

His message read: “On this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we renew our commitment to ending this scourge and supporting those who fall victim to it.

“This includes non-discriminatory policy solutions centred around people, health and human rights, underpinned by strengthened international cooperation to curb the illicit drug trade and hold accountable those who profit from human misery.”

He added that: “We must also strengthen science-based treatment and support services for drug users, and treat them as victims who need treatment rather than punishment, discrimination and stigma — including treatment for those living with infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.”

He noted that: “We cannot allow the world’s drug problem to further shadow the lives of the tens of millions of people living through humanitarian crises.
On this important day, let us commit to lifting this shadow once and for all, and giving this issue the attention and action it deserves.”

He said this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking shines a spotlight on the impact of drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises, insisting that: “Conflicts, climate disasters, forced displacement and grinding poverty create fertile ground for drug abuse — with COVID-19 making a bad situation even worse. At the same time, people living through humanitarian emergencies are far less likely to have access to the care and treatment they need and deserve.”

He lamented that: “Meanwhile, criminals are profiting from people’s misery, with cocaine production at record highs, and a five-fold increase in seizures of methamphetamines and a near-quadrupling of amphetamine seizures over the last decade.”

In a separate message, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ghada Waly, said the harms of illicit drug use can affect anyone, but they often have the deepest impact on those in crisis, noting that the
pandemic undermined physical and mental health, strained healthcare systems, and disrupted drug treatment and services.

He said: “Instability from Ukraine to Afghanistan to Africa and beyond has increased the number of people in need of emergency assistance. The industry of illicit drugs continues to ramp up during these challenging times.”

Waly disclosed that: “In 2020, more than 280 million people around the world used drugs. Seizures of synthetic drugs have multiplied in the last ten years, while the opioid crisis in North America claims more lives every day, and non-medical use of tramadol continues to endanger people in Africa and the Middle East.”

He said: “Even as we work for long-term, sustainable solutions, there are people who need urgent access to treatment and care, now.

“We need to reach those who are most difficult to reach, because they need us the most: people in refugee camps and humanitarian settings; people at risk of being left behind as a result of the pandemic; and people facing barriers of stigma and discrimination.

“Women are among the foremost victims of conflict and crisis, and they often face greater barriers to treatment for drug use disorders.”

He decried that: “In some parts of the world, the proportion of women among treated patients is below ten per cent.
We need to ensure access to care for all, including in emergencies.”

He said: “We also need to ensure that controlled medicines are available for pain relief around the world, and in humanitarian settings.”

Waly assured that: “At the UN Office on Drugs and Crime we are committed to providing care and support to the people affected by illicit drugs, no matter the circumstances,” insisting that: “Everyone has a role to play, from governments to civil society to individuals, in bringing the necessary attention and resources to this issue, and we stand ready to work with all of you.”

He advised that: “Let us show those who need us that we care, by providing the care that they need in these times of crisis.”

UN Advocates Continued International Cooperation to Tackle Drug Trade

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International

UK Expresses Commitment to Restoration of Peace in Northeast

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UK Expresses Commitment to Restoration of Peace in Northeast

By: Michael Mike

The United Kingdom has expressed its commitment to the restoration of peace, stability and sustainable solutions to the troubled Northeast region which has been bedeviled by insurgency.

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Atkinson made the commitment on Monday when she paid a courtesy call on Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri.

Atkinson who commended Zulum for his commitment to fighting insurgency in Borno, said: “On behalf of the British Government, I recognise the effort of His Excellency, the Governor, in tackling insurgency and supporting the people of Borno State, particularly aiming to secure a prosperous future for the people displaced by insurgency.

“I want to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to supporting peace, stability and sustainable solutions, particularly through the ongoing regional stabilisation facility.”

Responding, the Secretary to Borno State Government who received the Deputy High Commissioner on behalf of Governor Zulum, expressed appreciation to the UK Government for their partnership and support.

He said,: “With the UK Government to start with, we have quite a number of very strong partnerships. His Excellency appreciates it, and he specifically instructed me to convey the special message of appreciation.”

The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Environment, Engr Emet Kois, Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, Work and Housing, Engr Mustapha Gubio, Transport and Energy, Aliyu Mohammed Bamanga and Inter-Governmental and Special Duties, Tukur Shani.

Others in attendance include Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, Abdullahi Ishaq, the Senior Technical Assistant, Political, to the Governor, Alhaji Tahiru Shettima, Permanent Secretary of political and cabinet, Danjuma Ali, and the Executive Secretary of Borno State Agency for Coordination of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Response (BOACSDHR), Babakura Mamman Gadai.

UK Expresses Commitment to Restoration of Peace in Northeast

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Crime

Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi

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Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi

By: Zagazola Makama

A swift response by the Nigerian troops in Kebbi has foiled a bandit attack on Dabai Town, forcing the assailants to flee after a gun battle with security operatives.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred around 2 a.m. when suspected bandits attempted to invade the town.

“Security forces were immediately dispatched to intercept the assailants and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire,” the source said. “Overwhelmed by superior firepower, the bandits abandoned their mission and escaped.”

While no casualties were reported, security operatives have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further attacks.

Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi

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International

U.S. Condemns Killing of Catholic Priest in Kaduna

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U.S. Condemns Killing of Catholic Priest in Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

The United States Mission in Nigeria has condemned the brutal killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State, describing it as a senseless act of violence.

In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the U.S. Mission expressed deep distress over the incident and extended condolences to the family, congregation, and community of the late cleric.

“We strongly condemn this horrific act of violence. Our thoughts are with them during this time of profound grief,” the statement read.

The mission also called on Nigerian authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Father Okechukwu’s killing has sparked outrage and renewed calls for enhanced security measures, especially in regions affected by banditry and violent attacks.

The Kaduna State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but security agencies are reportedly investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

U.S. Condemns Killing of Catholic Priest in Kaduna

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