Adeniyi Olugbemi

72 hours after Nigeria Army authority announced the ban on sales and consumption of illicit drugs and substances at the Giginya barracks mammy market and the entire barrack community in Sokoto, military police has arrested an adamant suspected drug peddler.

The suspect, who was arrested for flouting military directives around the Giginya barrack mammy market perimeter fence with Raymond village, had been handed over to the NDLEA for prosecution.

The statement pronouncing the ban by the Commander, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ginikanwa Nwosu, was signed by the Command Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Umar Shuaib.

The Brigade Commander also announced the sealing-off of all shops dealing in such items at the mammy market, in cognizance of the ethos and values of the Nigerian Army.

When our Correspondent visited the market, there was full compliance as the once Aba, Abuja, Adamawa and Anambra lines, where the sales and consumption of illicit drugs and substance thrived, is not only a shadow of itself, but deserted.

Aside snooker boards for recreation and games, the only operating shops on Adamawa line – Catch Cold Centre Point Amusement Resort- is now the convergent spot for suspected addicts, where they were seen lamenting and discussing the recent development.

Also, since the announcement of the ban on illicit drugs and substance within the barrack community, vehicular and human hold-up, a common sight at the mammy market entrance has drastically reduced.

This, a source observed will have adverse effect on the “IGR” of the barrack, as every vehicle and motorcycle pay a toll of N50 and N20 respectively, to gain entrance into the mammy market.