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Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have rescued three kidnapped victims, recovered arms, ammunition and operational vehicles in two different locations. Spokesperson of the command, DSP Muhammad Jalige, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, September 11, 2022, said two of the victims are wives of one Alhaji Haruna of Kwanan Dangora, Kano State.   The PPRO said the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba’s directives on rigorous visible patrols and domination of public space by police had continued to yield the desired outcome with the rescue of the victims.  “These accomplished feats were against the backdrop of a complaint received on the 4th September, 2022 that one Yusuf Abdullahi Abubakar ‘M’ of Dorayi village in Kano State has been kidnapped on same date at Barde village in Ikara LGA of Kaduna State and the abductors were demanding for the sum of fifty million naira (N50,000,000:00) ransom,” the statement read. “On receipt of the complaint, the Commissioner of Police Kaduna State Command CP Yekini Ayoku psc(+), mni directed the Divisional Police Officer Ikara to spread his operational dragnet to ensure the victim is rescued unhurt and culprits arrested “Consequently, on the 9th September, 2022 at about 2015hrs Police Operatives attached to the Division while on intensive purposeful crime prevention patrol along Ikara- Tashan Yari road intercepted a motorcycle conveying three persons riding in a suspicious manner “The Operatives promptly caught up with the motorcyclists after a high-speed chase and two of the riders on sensing Police pursuit jumped off the motorcycle and fled into the bush “The Operatives upon search of the motorcycle recovered a concealed AK47 rifle loaded with ten (10) rounds of live 7.62 X 39mm ammunitions. The identity of the rescued man was later discovered to be the Yusuf Abdullahi Abubakar ‘m’ of Dorayi whose report of kidnap was earlier received by the Division. “The victim and the exhibits were moved to the Police Station for further investigation while the fleeing culprits are being trailed for arrest. The victim has been medically evaluated and reunited with his family,” the statement added. “In a related operation on the same 9th September, 2022 at 0245hrs Operatives of the Command attached to Hunkuyi Division while on aggressive patrol along Zaria – Kano expressway, intercepted a suspicious Ford Mini Bus with Reg No. ZAR 532 XR and the occupants rather than heed the police order to halt for search, engaged the operatives in a gun duel “The operatives responded gallantly and in the ensuing melee, the hoodlums fled with varying bullet wounds leaving behind two (2) female occupants of the said vehicle who were rescued. Upon search of the vehicle an AK47 Magazine loaded with thirty (30) rounds of live 7.62 × 39mm ammunition were recovered “Preliminary investigation revealed that the two (2) female occupants, identified as Hafiza Haruna and Amina Haruna are the wives of one Alhaji Haruna of Kwanan Dangora, Kano State who were earlier kidnapped by the hoodlums “The Commissioner of Police commended the Officers for the achievements and tasked them to do more in order to reduce crime and criminalities to the barest minimum in the State. He equally called on the public to be security conscious at all times and to alert security agencies on noticing any suspicious movement and activities around them.”   The post Police rescue 3 kidnap victims, recover arms and ammunition in Kaduna appeared first on swordpress.com.ng.

By 9jabook

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From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.