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The Chairman of Apapa Local Government Area of Lagos State, Idowu Adejumoke Senbanjo, has raised the alarm over alleged drug dealers targeting schoolchildren by disguising narcotics as sweets, warning that criminal activities around schools and residential communities pose a growing threat to children.
Senbanjo also expressed concern over alleged child trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors and the smuggling of illegal firearms through waterways in the port community, calling for intensified surveillance and coordinated security operations.
She raised the concerns at a maritime stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with other security stakeholders.
According to the council chairman, drug dealers have allegedly moved closer to schools, adopting methods designed to conceal narcotics and attract unsuspecting pupils.
“Our children in schools are not safe. The drug peddlers have actually moved very close to them. They wrap up the drugs in the form of sweets and sell them to these children,” she said.
Senbanjo urged security agencies to investigate the allegations and strengthen operations around schools to prevent children from being exposed to illicit drugs and other criminal activities.
She also expressed concern about the involvement of young people in street gangs, saying some students were reportedly engaging in violent confrontations after school hours.
The council chairman said Apapa’s position as a major port and commercial centre presented peculiar security challenges because of the movement of people, goods and vessels through the area.
She noted that although security had improved compared with previous years, drug peddling, smuggling, child abuse, trafficking and the movement of illegal arms remained matters requiring sustained attention.
Senbanjo particularly called for stronger security monitoring of hotels, brothels and other locations where minors were allegedly being subjected to sexual exploitation and trafficking.
She urged relevant agencies to investigate the reports, protect vulnerable children and prosecute offenders wherever evidence established criminal conduct.
The council chairman also raised concerns about the alleged movement of illegal firearms through waterways, warning that the proliferation of weapons could undermine public safety in the densely populated port environment.
She called on the Nigerian Navy, police, Army and other security agencies to strengthen intelligence-sharing and joint operations to address the threats.
While commending the Nigeria Police Force and other security personnel for their efforts, Senbanjo said closer collaboration among federal security agencies, the Lagos State Government and local communities was essential.
She also praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for responding to concerns raised by security agencies during security council meetings but urged the authorities to devote greater attention to Apapa’s peculiar challenges.
According to her, the maritime and commercial character of the area could allow some criminal activities to remain concealed from residents and the wider public.
She appealed to residents to report suspicious activities and pay greater attention to developments within their neighbourhoods, warning that illegal operations could take place behind the high fences of residential properties without attracting public attention.
Senbanjo said community vigilance would complement the efforts of security agencies and help identify threats before they escalated.
She also called for sustained security operations in waterfront settlements, particularly Gidan Drama I and Gidan Drama II.
The chairman said although Gidan Drama I had been demolished, further security attention was required in the area, while Gidan Drama II, around the Tego Barracks axis, remained a concern because of reported illegal activities.
She urged the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, working with the Joint Task Force, to sustain operations in the maritime environment and strengthen measures to protect residents.
Senbanjo maintained that the protection of children and vulnerable residents required cooperation among government institutions, security agencies, community leaders and families.
She appealed to residents not to regard security as the responsibility of law enforcement agencies alone, stressing that timely reporting of suspicious activities could prevent crime and save lives.
