The Executive Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Jimoh Olawale Saliu, has called for stringent punitive measures against cultism, drug abuse and other social vices, warning that the growing prevalence of illicit drugs poses a serious threat to the future of Nigeria.<\/p>\n
Hon. Jimoh made the call in Wednesday, 12th August, 2026 when the National Coordinator of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), SP Orvenonne Ikwen, paid a courtesy visit to him in his office.<\/p>\n
The chairman, who spoke extensively on the security challenges confronting the community, particularly expressed concern over the activities of cult groups, night parties and the proliferation of illicit drugs.<\/p>\n
According to him, one of the measures he identified during his campaign and subsequently implemented after assuming office was the restriction of night parties, which he linked to some criminal activities and security disturbances within the LCDA.<\/p>\n
He explained that despite warnings that the policy could affect his political support, he remained committed to taking decisions in the interest of public safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said, the truth must be told. The minute I became the chairman, I called the stakeholders. I said, from tomorrow, whoever is having a night party will be arrested,\u201d Jimoh stated.<\/p>\n
The chairman said security agencies and relevant stakeholders must adopt a coordinated approach to tackling cultism and related criminal activities, stressing that arrest alone would not solve the problem unless offenders face effective deterrent punishment.<\/p>\n
He was particularly critical of what he described as inadequate punitive measures against drug dealers and users, urging the government to strengthen existing laws and ensure that offenders face severe consequences.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t know what the government is doing concerning those that sell and use that kind of drugs. From my investigation, I have not seen or heard any strong punishment on this drug issue. Even if the regime will take it softly, there should be a law,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The council helmsman warned that the continued spread of illicit drugs among young people could jeopardise the future of the country, stressing the need for decisive action against those who sell and distribute narcotics.<\/p>\n
He also called for tougher measures against properties and establishments being used to facilitate drug-related activities, arguing that communities must not be allowed to become safe havens for criminal enterprises.<\/p>\n
Specifically, he said any property when illicit drugs are found to be sold should be confiscated by government.<\/p>\n
Responding, the POCACOV National Coordinator, SP Orvenonne Ikwen, commended the Apapa-Iganmu chairman for his efforts in addressing youth-related challenges and promoting initiatives aimed at empowering young people.<\/p>\n
Led by the Divisional Police Officer, Orile Division, CSP Philip Ogunleti, the POCACOV coordinator acknowledged the concerns raised by the chairman and assured him that POCACOV would take the issues back for further consideration and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.<\/p>\n
She also praised the council’s youth-focused initiatives, particularly its technical and ICT programmes, describing them as positive interventions capable of keeping young people engaged and reducing their vulnerability to crime, cultism and drug abuse.<\/p>\n
The POCACOV coordinator noted that the recent sponsorship of the POCACOV programme by the Council had attracted positive attention and acknowledgement by the Inspector General of Police IGP Olatunji Disu, just as she pledged to explore areas of collaboration that could strengthen security and youth development efforts in Apapa-Iganmu.<\/p>\n
The meeting ended with both parties expressing commitment to greater collaboration in combating cultism, drug abuse and other vices while creating opportunities that would positively engage young people in the community.<\/p>\n
On the entourage of the POCACOV national coordinator were the Lagos state coordinator SP. Olivia Amarachi Ugochukwu and members of the IGP media team.<\/p>\n
Signed:<\/p>\n
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\n\u200bChief Press Secretary to the Office of Executive Chairman, Apapa-Iganmu LCDA.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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