Mon. May 25th, 2026
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The Zamfara State Police Command on Wednesday intercepted two vehicles carrying arms in different parts of the state.

The spokesman of the command, Mr Muhammad Shehu, confirmed the development in Gusau.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that items recovered from the vehicles were three AK47 riffles, an automatic pistol, locally-made pistol, magazines and live ammunitions.

According to him, other items recovered include N103, 435 cash, ATM card, three voters’ cards, military camouflage and a stamp of the Cattle Traders Association of Nigeria in the Bukuru Local Government Area of Plateau.

Shehu said that the drivers of the two cars, a Honda Civic marked Sokoto State BDN358AA and another marked Kano State KMC 321AA, were arrested and were now assisting the police in investigations.

The spokesman explained that a police patrol team arrested one of the suspects, a native of Birnin-Yero village in the Shinkafi Local Government Council of Sokoto State on Sept. 25 on the Gusau-Sokoto highway

He named items recovered from the vehicle as two AK 47 Riffles with number 3745485 and 1977CK22457 respectively and five magazines with 165 rounds of live ammunition,

“Others items recovered are N68, 750 cash, ATM card and three 3 voters’ cards, military camouflage and several mobile phones.’’

He said also that the police similarly, caught another suspect, a native of Bassa Local Government Council in Plateau on the Kauran-Namoda-Jibiya road.

Shehu said that exhibits recovered in the man’s vehicle were one AK 47 riffle with number 804151, two magazines with 20 rounds of live ammunition and one pistol with four bullets.

“Other items recovered are a locally-made pistol, eight mobile phones, cash of N34,685, two pairs of military camouflage and a stamp of the Cattle Traders Association of Nigeria, Bukuru Local Government Area of Plateau State.”

The police image maker said that investigation into the matter was going on at the command’s Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, after which the suspects would be charged to court.

He said that the successes recorded showed the level of commitment of the command led by the Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Shaba Alkali.

Shehu assured residents of the state of adequate security coverage and the determination of the command to reduce crime in the state.

He appealed to members of the public to always cooperate with the police and other security agencies in the state.

“Therefore, we should support the police with useful information on security from our respective areas.”

Meanwhile, Gov. Abdul’aziz Yari has chided security agencies in the state for their poor performances in tackling security challenges in the state.

Yari, who voiced his displeasure over the poor security in the state, while meeting with heads of security agencies in the state, described the security situation as worrisome. (NAN)

By admin

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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.