Fifteen individuals, including a teenage mother and another female, have been arrested in Damongo, the capital of the Savannah Region, on suspicion of drug trafficking and use.
These arrests happened on World Drug Day, marked on June 26, 2025, and were conducted by the Savannah Regional Police Command in collaboration with various security agencies.
The suspects, whose ages range from late teens to late 20s, were arrested from various locations, including cemeteries, abandoned structures, private residences, and farmlands throughout the municipality.
Eleven suspects were arrested on the day of the observance, while the remaining four were arrested on June 27, 2025, bringing the total to 15.
The group consists of 13 men and two women, and they are currently being held at the Damongo Divisional Police Command.
During a press briefing at the regional police headquarters, Savannah Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Council, Salisu Be-Awuribe, praised the security forces for what he called a “successful and symbolic operation”.
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He issued a strong warning to parents, saying, “Parents should not just be interested in bailing out their children. They must instil discipline and provide the guidance needed to keep them away from these bad practices”.
Mr. Be-Awuribe made it clear that this crackdown will extend beyond Damongo: “This is just the beginning. The operation will extend to all seven districts in the region. If you are involved in this drug trade, stop now; the Savannah Region will no longer be a safe haven for you”.
He highlighted that the strategy encompasses punitive measures, intelligence-led initiatives, and educational programs aimed at combating drug abuse and trafficking.
While he acknowledged the efforts of NACOC (Narcotics Control Commission) in education, he noted that some individuals continue to engage in illegal activities.
“These arrests send a clear message: there will be no hiding place for drug dealers or users in the Savannah Region,” he stressed.
He also mentioned that awareness campaigns will be bolstered alongside enforcement tactics to foster long-term change, especially among the youth.
As this report was being prepared, numerous parents, residents, and community leaders had gathered at the Divisional Police Command, seeking leniency on behalf of the suspects.
