The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and a civil society organisation, the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI), have pledged to intensify the seizure of assets connected to drug trafficking and properties used to harbour drug dealers across Lagos State.
The commitment was disclosed in a press statement issued by the founder and president of ECAPI, Sam Adams, following a large-scale anti-drug advocacy campaign organised by the Lagos State Strategic Command of the NDLEA in collaboration with the group.
According to Adams, the vow was made during a massive sensitisation exercise on Saturday, as both organisations took their message to areas identified as drug-prone across the state.
He warned that property owners who knowingly permit drug-related activities on their premises could lose such assets through forfeiture.
“Drugs are destroying lives, health, dreams and even the economy. We are declaring zero tolerance. Landlords who allow their properties to be used for drug sales should know that such assets risk forfeiture,” Adams said.
He disclosed that the advocacy walk commenced from Maryland and moved through Mushin, Oshodi, Ojuelegba, Costain and Lagos Island, during which the NDLEA officers and ECAPI volunteers engaged residents, youths and suspected drug users, delivering messages in multiple local languages to ensure broad understanding.
Adams further revealed plans to expand the anti-drug advocacy campaign to all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, noting that ECAPI would continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to sustain momentum in the fight against drug abuse.
He described ECAPI’s partnership with the NDLEA as productive, adding that similar collaborations had been extended to other security and anti-graft agencies to strengthen collective action against crime.
Also speaking during the sensitisation exercise, the Lagos State NDLEA Commander, Abubakar Wali, said the agency was strengthening its enforcement strategy by focusing on the recovery of proceeds from drug-related crimes.
He stressed that properties used to harbour drug dealers would no longer be spared, describing asset forfeiture as a powerful deterrent.
“Our fight is no longer limited to arrests and prosecution. We are now targeting the assets and proceeds of crime. In Lagos, we have seized monies, hotels, houses and other properties linked to drug activities and returned them to government coffers,” Wali stated.
He added that the street sensitisation exercise was not merely symbolic but a clear demonstration of the agency’s resolve to confront drug abuse and trafficking head-on.
According to him, renewed emphasis is also being placed on prevention and community reorientation as critical pillars of the drug war.
Experts have repeatedly urged members of the public to actively support efforts against drug abuse, emphasising that only collective responsibility and sustained community engagement can end the growing menace.