Mon. May 25th, 2026
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The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday presided over the State Security Council meeting with an assurance that progress is being made to round up the remaining members of the Ikorodu armed robbery gang still on the run.

The new State Police Commissioner, Mr Fatai Owoseni, who spoke to Government House Correspondents shortly after the meeting at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said the security agencies are not resting on their oars, assuring that more intelligence gathering is ongoing to bring all those who perpetrated the act are made to face the wrath of the law.

“Investigation is still ongoing, we are building on the information that we are gathering from interrogation, we are sending our intelligence personnel out and also comparing some information that we have gotten from the DSS.

“You remember that the first suspect that was arrested was apprehended by men of the OP-MESA and it is based on what we are able to get from that suspect that led to the arrest of more suspects.

“That is still ongoing and by the time we are done, we would be able to round up all of them and ensure that they are prosecuted,” he said.

He said the meeting focused on the issue of cultism, pipeline vandalism, land grabbing and the effect of traffic gridlock which a review of the activities of street trading with a resolve that all those who go against the law would be brought to book.

“At the meeting that was held today (Tuesday), the issue of cultism, pipeline vandalisation, issue of land grabbers that have turned Lagos to a war zone and the effects of the traffic gridlock that is slowing down things in the state, all these things all together we’ve looked into and of course the impact of street trading on traffic gridlock.

“All these things were looked into and it was resolved that it is time to enforce the law, it is time to allow the law to take its course by prosecuting offenders and of course, in the meeting it was resolved that we should now look at how we can respond pragmatically to issues of crime and its effect to security,” Owoseni said.

He said the Governor also gave an assurance of his commitment to provide all the needed logistics that would enable the security agencies carry out their assignment of securing the life and property of the every resident.

“The State Governor has assured us, he has told us that security is prime in his heart, because security is vital, it is key to economic and social development and he has assured us of his support,” he added.

He said the Police would pay more emphasis on prevention, pro-active policing, intelligence-led investigations, intelligence-led policing and would partner with the community by taking inputs from the non-state actors, the members of the community, different groups into its planning.

Those at the meeting include the new Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, Commander, 9th Mechanised Brigade, Major General Mohammed Sabo, Commander Airforce Base, Air Commodore Lere Osanyintolu, Commander, NNS Beecroft, Olokun, Apapa, Navy Commodore Daniel Ikoli and Director, State Security Service (SSS), Mrs. Okojie Little John and the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello.

 

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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.