Lagos, July 30, 2023 – The Lagos State Safety Commission is to start a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to close night clubs allowing the use of drugs and firearms.
Lanre Mojola, its Director-General, said this on Sunday at a meeting with night clubs owners and operators where NDLEA operatives were invited.
Mojola said the state government would no longer tolerate the use of drugs and firearms at night clubs as government would not hesitate to activate the relevant laws against violators in any part of Lagos.
He also frowned at the presence of the underage at night clubs in the state, warning that such was against the law.
“The purpose of this meeting is to address certain concerns that have come to our attention. We have concerns about the usage of drugs and the use of firearms and other safety issues that have become a major cause for concern”
“Another issue is the use of firearms in clubs.
“Last year, we had an incident with a superstar, on the use of firearms. We are also aware of a shooting incident that happened at a club recently.
“All these give us serious concerns. We need to tell ourselves the truth. There should be scanners that people must go through, that can detect firearms. What are your bouncers doing?
“Lots of night clubs’ frontages have been turned to drug sales outlets, you need to address that; night clubs need to have lots of signages on designated areas for smoking. The issue of underaged in night clubs should also be addressed,” he said.
Mojola advised night club owners to respect the laws as the government would not hesitate to wield the big stick on those flagrantly violating the laws of the state.
The DG also called on night club owners to take responsibility and form an association to tackle the issues of drug and firearms in their clubs, adding that no security detail should be allowed to carry firearms
Maijama’a Abdullahi, a Superintendent of Narcotic in Lagos State NDLEA command, expressed regret that drugs were being used in most night clubs from his findings after undergoing a secret tour of some clubs in Lagos.
He said that many night clubs had no signages to warn patrons against the use of drugs, adding that drugs were being used excessively.
“The drug dealers stick around the clubs; they stick outside the clubs and sell drugs. Some of those selling drugs are friends with the bouncers. We need the help of club owners; it is getting out of hand. (GBN)
