The Oyo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has entered into a partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to combat drug abuse and the security threats linked to substance use across the state.
The State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan.
According to Oyelade, the partnership received further impetus at a one-day sensitisation programme organised by the NDLEA for Amotekun personnel.
“The collaboration aims to focus on drug abuse prevention, identification of substance-related risks, healthy coping strategies, responsible conduct and community-based approaches to promoting drug-free communities,” Oyelade said.
Speaking at the programme, the Amotekun Corps Commandant, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.), represented by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs Adigun Yetunde, commended the NDLEA for organising the training and strengthening cooperation with the corps.
Olayanju highlighted the need for regular training and capacity development among Amotekun operatives, particularly on issues connected to community security.
“A better understanding of substance abuse will enable officers to recognise emerging risks, respond appropriately and contribute more effectively to drug abuse prevention efforts within their areas of operation,” he said.
The commandant also charged the personnel to incorporate the lessons from the programme into their routine responsibilities by maintaining proper observation, gathering useful information and working closely with relevant agencies.
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He said a “professional and community-oriented approach will strengthen public confidence and enhance collective efforts to build safer and drug-free communities.”
Also addressing the gathering, the NDLEA Oyo State Command Staff Officer, Drug Integrity Test, O. A. Achichi, expressed appreciation to the Amotekun Corps for supporting the initiative.
Achichi said tackling substance abuse could not be left to a single agency, noting that security organisations, families, schools, community leaders and other stakeholders all have roles to play.
“Close relationship with communities places its personnel in a strategic position to identify emerging drug-related concerns and provide relevant information to the appropriate authorities,” Achichi said.
He further advised Amotekun operatives to exercise professionalism while handling suspected drug-related incidents, warning against treating suspicion as established evidence.
According to him, officers should carefully observe, verify and document relevant information before referring cases that require specialised drug enforcement intervention to the NDLEA or other appropriate authorities.
During the technical session, the NDLEA Staff Officer, Prevention and Sensitisation, Peter Akinbode, outlined the wider impact of substance abuse on individuals, families, young people and community security.
Akinbode identified peer pressure, curiosity, stress, trauma, unemployment and social pressure, among other factors, as issues that can contribute to substance use.