The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Strategic Command, in collaboration with the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI), has concluded a two-day training programme designed to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and trafficking through intelligence gathering and advocacy.

The programme, themed “Anti-Drugs Field Intelligence and Advocacy Agent Training”, was held on August 28 and 29 at the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Secretariat, Mafoluku, Lagos. It brought together ECAPI members who were trained as detectives, undercover agents, and community advocates.

During the sessions, participants were educated on the types of drugs, concealment methods, evidence handling, and the dynamics of drug abuse. They also engaged in advocacy simulations focusing on drug prevention among students, area boys, and within families. At the end, participants were issued certificates and ID cards as recognition of their new roles in supporting NDLEA’s mandate.

Flagging off the event, CN Abubakar Liman Wali, NDLEA Lagos State Commandant, pledged stronger collaboration between the agency and non-state actors. The Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Otunba Kehinde Oloyede, delivered the keynote address, while ECAPI President, Amb. Samuel Eniola Adam, reaffirmed the NGO’s commitment to assisting NDLEA with its large membership base across Nigeria.

“This training is about supporting NDLEA to rid our communities of drugs,” Adam said. “With our manpower of over 250,000 members nationwide, we can provide intelligence and advocacy where NDLEA’s reach is limited.”

Lectures were delivered by NDLEA officers, including AGGN Jane Ibiba (rtd.), CN Chinerem Eziaghighala, ACN Yusuf Kaita, CN Lamuwa Shehu, and Abdulaziz Akinsola, covering national drug control policy, concealment case studies, drug abuse prevention, and community relations.

Participants hailed the programme as eye-opening. ECAPI Lagos State Commander, Det. Reagan Onuoha, described it as a “step in the right direction,” stressing that security and drug control require collective responsibility. Traditional ruler HRM Prof. Oloruntoba Timothy and other ECAPI executives also praised the collaboration.

The event ended with a call for sustained advocacy and stronger partnerships between law enforcement, civil society, traditional institutions, and communities to achieve a drug-free Nigeria.