Nigerian Army bans sale of illicit drugs, seals shops at Mammy Market

The Nigerian Army has announced the immediate ban on the sale of illicit drugs and other illegal substances at the Mammy Market at the Giginya Barracks in Sokoto.

The ban was announced in a statement by Umar Shuaib, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations on Saturday.

The statement said the action followed a directive by the Commander, 1 Brigade, Sokoto, Ginikawa Nwosu.

The statement said all shops dealing in such substances at the market had also been closed immediately.

“This is in line with his commitment towards ensuring sanity in the market and the entire barracks community.

“The commander is hereby assuring the Sokoto State Government, Sultanate Council and the entire people of the state that no stone will be left unturned in restoring the values and traditions of the Seat of the Caliphate.

“Also, this move is in cognisance of the ethos and values of the Nigerian Army.”

NAN recalls that there have been complaints from various quarters about the sale of such substances at the market, with majority of the patrons being youth, including women.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, had on December 7, appealed for the closure of the affected shops when Mr. Nwosu, a Brigadier General, paid him a courtesy call.

NAN learnt that the issue was the centre point of the meeting of the State Security Council on December 8.

A cross-section of the residents interviewed by NAN commended Mr. Nwosu for the action, saying that the sealed shops were hitherto destroying the future of the youth of the state and Nigeria in general.

(NAN)