By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State Police Command has firmly dismissed rumours circulating on social media about a critical security threat involving Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the state. 
In a press release signed by the state police command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, and obtained by Newsline yesterday, the command labelled the alleged threat as untrue, baseless, and unfounded, urging the public to disregard such misinformation.
The police clarified that the IEDs recently destroyed were part of proactive public safety measures. These devices were recovered during joint counter-insurgency operations in Shiroro LGA between 2021 and 2022. The prolonged storage of these materials posed significant risks to lives and properties, necessitating their immediate destruction.
"Contrary to the assertions in the false publication, there is no critical threat targeting any public area or infrastructure in Niger State. This misinformation appears to be a calculated attempt to incite panic and unnecessary fear," the statement emphasised.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, reassured residents that the destruction of the IEDs was a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. He encouraged the public to continue their daily activities without fear, affirming the commitment of the police and other security agencies to protect lives and property within the state.
CP Danmamman reiterated the dedication of the police and sister security agencies to maintaining peace and security in Niger State.

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State House of Assembly has resolved to summon the head of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state to address the alarming increase in the use of illicit drugs and other intoxicants.
This decision was made during a plenary session following a motion presented by Yahaya Abubakar Ahmadu, the member representing Katcha Constituency. Ahmadu highlighted that the rampant use of these substances, particularly among the youth, has led to significant unrest and societal disruption.
In response, the House has called for the NDLEA state chief to appear before the plenary to explain the surge in drug abuse. Ahmadu emphasized the need for youth engagement through skills acquisition programs and urged the executive arm to implement various youth empowerment and agricultural initiatives.
The Assembly also agreed to invite key stakeholders, including the Commissioner of Police, Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Commissioner of Justice, village heads, a representative of the Emir of Minna, the Department of Patent Medicine Store of the Ministry of Health, and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, for an executive meeting next week.
Speaker Rt. Hon Abdulmalik Sarkindaji expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that even minors as young as 13 years old are involved in drug abuse. He stated that if the NDLEA provides satisfactory explanations during the stakeholders' meeting, the agency's head may not need to appear before the plenary scheduled for Tuesday next week.