Execution Of Nigerians: FG Set To Tackle Smuggling Of Drugs Into Saudi, Others

The Federal Government says it is working out modalities to addressing security challenges facing the country, especially as it relates to the rate of smuggling of drugs across the nation’s borders.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama made the revelation while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

The Minister expressed the current administration’s determination to holistically address the issues by working with neighbouring countries.

Onyeama said that the current efforts aimed at tackling smuggling in the borders of the affected countries would yield results.

“I think the political will is really there now to finally and definitively address this issue,” Onyeama stated.

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari has set up a committee comprising the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Justice, Finance and Interior; as well as the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Customs Service over the issue.

“He has also asked the governments of Niger and Benin to set up similar committees in the two countries and to also meet.

“So, we are planning to have a meeting of those committees in the very near future.

“This is a preparatory meeting between us to revisit all the issues, come up with a common position and present that to Mr President so that we can have a basis for engaging with those other countries,’’ Onyeama said.

IGBERE TV recalls that a Nigerian woman, Kudirat Afolabi was last week, executed by the Saudi government for drug trafficking related offences.

About 27 other Nigerians are said to the on the country’s death roll for same reasons.