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The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested three suspected car thieves in Kafin Hausa Local Government Area of the state. The spokesperson of the command, SP Shiisu Lawan Adam, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 said the suspects, Kabiru Musa, Umar Ali and Sabiu Bashir, were nabbed three after being involved in a lone accident with a stolen vehicle.  According to the PPRO, Kabiru, who identified himself as Lance Corporal of the 102 Guard Brigade, was an impersonator.  Adam added that the stolen motor vehicle, a fake ID card, 7 ATM cards, and 2 driver licenses were recovered.  On 08/09/2025 at about 0750hrs, operatives attached to Kafin Hausa Division arrested three (3) suspected motor vehicle thieves after they were involved in a lone accident with a stolen vehicle at Sabon Sara village, Kafin Hausa LGA, the statement read. “The suspects, who escaped the scene, were promptly apprehended by the vigilant police operatives. “The suspects, who are all indigenous to Kano State, are identified as Kabiru Musa ‘m’ 35yrs of Rimin Kebe Quarters; Umar Ali ‘m’ age 25yrs of Haye Quarters; and Sabiu Bashir ‘m’ age 25yrs of Tokarawa village. “Prior to their arrest, a report from one Hussaini Manager was received at Kafin Hausa Division that on 07/09/2025 at about 2000hrs, unknown persons carted away with his blue Golf saloon vehicle with reg. no. MGA 108 JG at Agura Motor Park in Kafin Hausa LGA. “Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspects, who identified himself as Lance Corporal Kabiru Musa of the 102 Guard Brigade, FCT Abuja, and a resident of Rimin Kebe Quarters, Kano State, was in fact an impersonator. Further discreet investigation conducted at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Dutse exposed him as a fake soldier. “Upon search, the following exhibits were recovered in his possession: seven different ATM cards, two drivers licenses and other incriminating items linked to fraudulent activities. “The suspects have been charged in court after completion of a discreet investigation. “The Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command, CP Dahiru Muhammad, psc, fdc, commended the operatives of Kafin Hausa Division for their professionalism and resilience, which led to the arrest.  “He further reiterated the Commands unwavering commitment to rid the state of criminals and ensure the safety and security of lives and property. The CP also called on members of the public to continue to support the police with timely and credible information that will assist in preventing and detecting crimes across the state.”   The post Police arrest fake soldier and suspected car thieves in Jigawa appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

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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.