‘This is duty, not idiotic’ – Ogun NDLEA Commander fires back at Sowore

Ogun State's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Commander, CN Tijjani Rabe, has responded to criticism from presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, over the agency's anti-drug operations. Sowore had posted on X, calling the agency's actions "idiotic" for destroying cannabis farms, which he deemed an economically viable crop.

Rabe defended the agency's actions, stating that the NDLEA does not set farms ablaze arbitrarily but instead acts based on a mandate from the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He emphasized that the agency has made significant seizures of illicit drugs and has counseled and rehabilitated thousands of young Nigerians, disrupting criminal networks involved in kidnapping, banditry, and arms trafficking.

Rabe argued that if Sowore disagrees with the law, the democratic path is to sponsor a bill to change it, rather than resorting to abuse. He also cautioned against legalization without proper regulations, warning that it could expand the black market. Rabe cited Canada's experience with legalization, noting that although the country has legalized cannabis, it still faces a thriving illicit market.

He stressed that without strong guardrails, proper tracking, and rehabilitation centers, legalization would only exacerbate the issues. Rabe urged the government to fund laboratories, rehabilitation centers, and cooperatives to ensure any future cannabis industry is safe and sustainable. He concluded by stating that while the tone might have been unkind, the agency remains grateful for the support of Nigerians and that its actions are rooted in duty, not idiocy.