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STEP-BY-STEP: How to apply for FG’s Agricultural Quarantine Service recruitment before August 10

The federal government has commenced recruitment into the Nigeria The Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has called on qualified Nigerians to apply for available positions across its Superintendent, Inspectorate and Assistant cadres.

The recruitment exercise, which commenced on July 28, 2026, is scheduled to close on August 10, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will subsequently undergo a computer-based test and interview later in the month.

The Federal Character Commission disclosed this in a post on its official X handle on Wednesday, July 29, emphasising that the recruitment process is free of charge and that all applications must be submitted through the designated NAQS recruitment portal

See Step-By-Step How To Apply Below:

Interested applicants are required to:

Visit the official NAQS recruitment portal here

Create an account or log in to the portal.

Select their preferred cadre and position.

Complete the online application form with accurate personal and educational details.

Upload all required credentials and supporting documents.

Review the application carefully before submitting it online.

The agency warned that:

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Applications that do not follow the prescribed procedure will be disqualified.

Available Positions

Superintendent Cadre

Chief Superintendent of Quarantine Care (Veterinary Doctors)

Deputy Superintendent of Quarantine

Assistant Superintendent of Quarantine II

Inspectorate Cadre

Inspector of Quarantine I

Inspector of Quarantine II

Inspector of Quarantine III

Assistant Cadre

Quarantine Assistant I

Quarantine Assistant II

Quarantine Assistant III

Educational qualifications

Chief Superintendent of Quarantine Care

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.

NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.

Deputy Superintendent of Quarantine

Degree in Law or a master’s degree in a relevant discipline.

NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.

Assistant Superintendent of Quarantine II

Minimum of a first degree from a recognised institution.

NYSC discharge certificate.

Inspectorate Cadre

Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).

Assistant Cadre

SSCE, NECO or GCE Ordinary Level certificate.

Minimum of five credits, including English Language and Mathematics.

Results obtained in not more than two sittings.

General Requirements

Applicants must:

Be Nigerian by birth.

Possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).

Be medically fit and present a certificate of fitness from a government hospital.

Pass a drug test.

Be of good character with no criminal conviction.

Not belong to any secret cult or society.

Be free from financial embarrassment.

Be computer literate.

Physical Requirements

Male applicants must be at least 1.65 metres tall.

Male applicants must have a minimum chest measurement of 0.87 metres.

Female applicants must be at least 1.55 metres tall.

Who Should Not Apply

The agency advised that the following persons need not apply:

Individuals with severe speech impairment.

Individuals with hearing impairment.

Persons with total blindness.

Persons with obesity.

Persons with limb deformities.

Applicants with other specified physical deformities or medical conditions.

Pregnant women, due to the physical demands of the recruitment process.

Recruitment Timetable

Application opens: July 28, 2026.

Application closes: August 10, 2026.

Shortlisting of successful candidates: August 13, 2026.

Computer-Based Test (CBT) and interviews: August 15, 2026.

Agency’s Warning

The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service urged applicants to:

Rely only on the official recruitment portal for authentic information.

Ignore anyone demanding payment for employment.

Note that the entire recruitment exercise is completely free.

Delta Police foil kidnap plot, arrest two, recover guns, ammunition

The Delta State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping and arrested two suspects in separate operations across the state.

The command also recovered three locally made guns, 13 live cartridges and other exhibits.

The command said one of the suspects was allegedly involved in a plot to kidnap a pastor and a retired school principal in the Ughelli area of the state.

Police spokesman SP Bright Edafe said in a statement on Wednesday that operatives of the Ebrumede Division arrested a 28-year-old suspect, Benjamin Haruna, during a stop-and-search operation along Garki-Uti Road, Effurun, on August 4.

He said two other suspects, identified simply as Omelo and Alabanco, escaped on a motorcycle.

Edafe said a search of a bag in the suspects’ possession led to the recovery of two locally made double-barrelled guns, 11 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, an axe, two Android phones, two power banks, two wristwatches, a lighter and a military camouflage polo.

The spokesman said a preliminary investigation showed that the suspects were conveying the exhibits to their hideout along Sapele Road.

He added that Haruna remained in custody while efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.

He added that in a separate operation, operatives of ‘A’ Division, Ughelli, acting on credible intelligence on July 31, 2026, foiled a planned kidnapping and arrested 26-year-old Jeremiah Kwane.

Edafe asserted that Kwane attempted to recruit another person into a kidnapping syndicate to abduct a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli.

He said the suspect was arrested at his duty post, noting that a search led to the recovery of a locally made single-barrelled gun and two live cartridges.

He said the suspect was undergoing further investigation.

Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

Oyeniyi urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to enhance security across Delta State.

Fuel discount subsidy for transport sector raised to P12 per liter

The fuel discount subsidy for public utility jeepney and UV Express drivers will increase to P12 per liter starting August 15, the Office of the Executive Secretary announced on Wednesday, August 5.

The government office said the increase was decided during a Cabinet meeting led by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto at Malacañang on August 4.

Drivers could save up to P1,800 a week once the increased subsidy takes effect, it added.

‘Ito ay dagdag sa inisyal na P10 na discount kada litro na sinimulan noong Abril, na nakatulong na sa mahigit 93,000 PUV (public utility vehicle) drivers,’ the announcement read.

(This is an addition to the initial P10 discount per liter that started last April, which has helped more than 93,000 PUV drivers.)

‘Not a fare hike substitute’

Transport group MANIBELA welcomed the additional fuel discount but stressed its demand for a fare hike.

‘Malugod naming tinatanggap ang anumang hakbang na makapagpapagaan sa pasanin ng mga tsuper kabilang ang ipatutupad na fuel discount simula August 15. Ngunit nais naming idiin na hindi ito sapat at hindi ito kapalit ng matagal na naming panawagan para sa makatarungang dagdag-pasahe,’ MANIBELA’s statement read.

MANIBELA said that only increasing the minimum fare can help drivers cope with the continued rise in local oil and fuel prices amid renewed tensions in West Asia.

‘Ito ang agarang nadaragdag sa kanilang araw-araw na kita at hindi na nila kailangang makiusap o makipagtalo pa sa mga gasolinahan upang makuha ang benepisyo,’ the group added.

(This will immediately add to their daily income without the need to plead or argue at gasoline stations to get the benefit.)

They also told the government not to use the fuel subsidy as a substitute for a fare hike to reject their demands.

‘Hindi dapat gamitin ang fuel discount bilang dahilan upang ipagkait ang nararapat na fare increase,’ MANIBELA said.

(The fuel discount should not be used as a reason to deny the appropriate fare increase.)

This week, local pump prices fell by only a few centavos after two consecutive weeks of major increases.

Eala, Venus Williams join forces anew for Canadian Open doubles

It did not happen in Washington, but the partnership between Alex Eala and Venus Williams will resume in the 2026 Canadian Open.

Eala and Williams received the final doubles wildcard in the tournament and will kick off their partnership on Thursday evening (Manila time) against Liudmila Samsonova and Miyu Kato.

The Filipina rising star and the American icon have already teamed up once in the Bad Homburg Open, where they reached the quarterfinal round.

They were also supposed to join forces again in the Mubadala DC Open, but it did not materialize.

“We know our fans will be incredibly excited to see Venus and Alexandra team up in doubles,” tournament director Karl Hale said in an article published on the WTA website.

“Venus is a legend of the sport, while Alexandra’s popularity continues to soar as does her level on court. It’s going to be a special moment when the two step onto Sobeys Stadium for the first time as a partnership.”

Eala is coming off a historic title run in Washington, where she hoisted her first-ever WTA tour title.

She will also return to singles’ action on Thursday morning (Manila time) against Alycia Parks.

EFCC froze Osun State government account over suspicious movement of funds-Spokesman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) said it froze the accounts of Osun State Government because of alleged fraudulent handling of N11billion Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federal Account Allocation Committee(FAAC).

It said the state has been under probe since March with the state’s Accountant-General and some government officials already quizzed.

The EFCC said it effected Post No Debit order on the affected account because it intercepted huge transfers of funds to different suspicious accounts since August 2, 2026.

It claimed that there were huge transfers of funds into different corporate entities and it had to swiftly halt the trend.

It said the Osun State government account was frozen to save public funds from being looted.

It said its action has nothing to do with Osun Governorship Election.

The EFCC made the clarifications in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale.

The statement said: ‘The EFCC is compelled to publicly address issues pertaining to its preventive moves in freezing the bank account of the Osun State government, without prejudice to the imminent governorship election in the state.

‘The commission has been busy investigating the Osun state government since March, 2026, regarding alleged fraudulent handling of Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federal Account Allocation Committee, FAAC account to the tune of N11, 000,000, 000(Eleven Billion Naira only).

‘ To this end, some officials of the state government, especially the Accountant General of the State, have had interview sessions with investigators of the EFCC.

‘These ongoing investigations of the state government would not have warranted any placement of Post No Debit order on its account but for the precipitate and unwarranted movement of funds from the accounts to different suspicious accounts since August 2, 2026.

‘The Commission noticed huge transfers of funds into different corporate entities and had to swiftly halt the trend by freezing the accounts from which such heavy funds are being moved.’

The EFCC said it acted within its establishment mandate to prevent fraud.

It added: ‘The EFCC’s preventive mandate is a public-inclined framework of safeguarding public funds, assets and resources.

‘ The commission cannot watch idly while a state government’s account is being pillaged.

‘ While the commission is fully aware of the impending governorship election in Osun State, it has a responsibility to act in defence of the sanctity of the funds of the state. It will be uncharitable for the commission to allow an excuse of an upcoming election to fold its arms to perform its legally-assigned functions.

‘ It is equally needful to state that the commission is keeping watch over the finances of other states like Osun State. Many of these states are on the investigative radar of the Commission to ensure accountability and probity. ‘The commission has always pointed out that it is non-partisan and non-sectarian but always working in the overall interests of Nigerians.

‘ The Osun State government account was frozen to save public funds from being looted.

‘ The public is enjoined to ignore false narratives and deliberate demonization of the works of the EFCC. The interests of all Nigerians are greater and will always be protected by the commission.’

Friends and Family: Your Best Customers or Your Biggest Discount?

If you’ve ever tried starting a business or offering a skill, whether you’re selling clothes online, doing makeup, taking photos, baking cakes or freelancing, you probably know the moment things start getting a little complicated.

It’s when someone you know realises you’re open for business.

Before you’ve even covered your basic costs or made your first proper profit, the messages start coming in:

And because it’s a friend or a relative, you might let it slide.

You do the work. You send the product. You give them the discount.

Once. Then twice.

And before you know it, something that was supposed to be a favour has become an expectation.

Eventually, you start wondering: do these people actually see what I’m doing as a business, or do they just see me as someone doing a little side hustle?

We asked our community whether friends and family should receive special treatment when it comes to someone’s business. The poll leaned towards setting solid boundaries.

And honestly, it’s not difficult to understand why.

If you’ve just launched your business and you genuinely want to give your sister a discount, that’s your choice. If your friend is going through a difficult time and you decide to do something for them as a favour, that’s your choice too.

The problem is when the favour stops being a favour.

You give your cousin a discount once and suddenly that becomes their price every time they buy from you. You do something for free because your friend was going through a difficult period, and six months later they’re asking for another free service.

Or they take the product and say, ‘I’ll send you the money later.’

Then later becomes next week. Next week becomes next month. And now you’re the one who has to keep asking someone you know for money they already owe you.

That can get frustrating, especially when you’re still trying to get the business off the ground.

There are actual costs behind what you’re doing. Stock, transport, internet data, packaging, supplier fees and marketing all cost money. You may have even put your own savings into buying your first stock or getting the business started.

The ‘You Know Me’ Trap

I think familiarity can really change the way people approach your work.

When a stranger finds your page online, they approach you as a business owner. They look at your price, decide whether they can afford it, make the payment and get their product or service.

But when it’s a relative, a neighbour, a former classmate or even a close friend, the personal relationship can suddenly become part of the transaction.

And sometimes the issue isn’t even the discount. It’s the lack of urgency when it comes to paying you.

Someone might never walk into a shop, take an item and tell the cashier, ‘I’ll pay you next month.’ But because it’s you, there can be this assumption that you won’t push too hard about the money.

And that’s where things can become uncomfortable.

Now you’re not only trying to run your business. You’re also wondering whether asking someone you know to pay you what they owe you is going to create unnecessary tension.

Nobody wants to be chasing their cousin for 50,000 TZS at the same time they’re expected to sit together at a family gathering like everything is fine.

Support Doesn’t Have to Mean Free

I think sometimes we confuse having boundaries with not wanting to support the people around us.

You can absolutely support your friends and family. But support doesn’t always have to mean asking for a freebie or a massive discount.

If your friend starts a business, buy something from them.

If your cousin is a photographer, hire them when you need a photographer.

If someone you know is offering a service, pay them if you can afford it.

Share their posts. Put their business on your WhatsApp status. Refer people to them.

Even paying someone their normal price can be a form of support because you’re saying, I recognise that what you do has value.

And honestly, sometimes that is what a small business owner needs more than another person asking, ‘How much can you reduce it for me?’

So, How Do You Actually Handle It?

There isn’t one rule that everyone has to follow.

Maybe you’re comfortable giving friends and family 10 or 15 per cent off. That’s fine. Decide what you’re comfortable with and stick to it.

Maybe you don’t want to give discounts at all because you’d rather keep your business and personal relationships separate. That’s fine too.

The important thing is that you decide the boundary.

Not your auntie. Not your childhood friend. And not the relative who seems to think because you’re doing well, your money is automatically available to them.

When you do need to set a boundary, you also don’t have to make it into a big confrontation.

You can simply say:

‘I can give you the family rate, so it will be 40,000 instead of 50,000 TZS.’

Or:

‘I can help you with this one as a favour, but moving forward I’ll have to charge my normal rate.’

Or even:

‘I’m not able to offer a discount on this one, but I really appreciate you reaching out to support my business.’

That’s enough.

You don’t need to give a five-minute explanation about why you expect to be paid for your own time, skills or products.

The Bottom Line

Your friends and family can absolutely be some of your biggest supporters. But keeping everyone happy shouldn’t come at the expense of the thing you’re trying to build.

There’s nothing wrong with helping out when you genuinely want to. There’s also nothing wrong with charging your relatives the same price you charge everyone else.

You can love your friends and still send them an invoice.

You can care about your family and still expect them to pay you on time.

And you can give someone a discount without making your entire business available to them for free.

At the end of the day, your business is your livelihood.

Protect your relationships, but protect your work too.

BREAKING: Tinubu welcomes rescue of 308 kidnap victims in Niger, Kwara

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the successful rescue of 308 abducted Nigerians from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against kidnapping and directing security agencies to strengthen early warning systems to prevent future attacks.

The President also commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) for carrying out what the Presidency described as the largest rescue operation ever conducted in a single day by a joint security team.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the victims comprised 163 persons abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and another 145 kidnapped in Niger State.

The victims were rescued during a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation in the Kainji Lake National Park Forest located in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State.

President Tinubu praised the security agencies for their courage, professionalism and effective collaboration, saying the operation demonstrated the growing synergy among Nigeria’s security institutions.

‘The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services. I commend our gallant men and women in uniform for their bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives’, the President said.

The Presidency disclosed that the rescued citizens are currently receiving first aid and other essential medical attention at the medical facility in Wawa Cantonment.

It added that after completing medical evaluations, the victims would be formally handed over to their respective state governments for rehabilitation, comprehensive care and reunification with their families.

While celebrating the successful operation, Tinubu stressed the need to prevent similar incidents by strengthening the country’s security architecture.

He directed security agencies and relevant stakeholders to immediately reinforce early warning mechanisms, improve intelligence gathering at the community level and enhance rapid response capabilities to forestall future attacks.

The President also reassured Nigerians that his administration remained committed to defeating security threats across the country and ensuring the safety of citizens.

According to him, the Federal Government will remain resolute in its determination to eliminate insecurity, protect vulnerable communities and restore lasting peace in every part of the country.

Nigeria becomes Africa’s renewable energy pace-setter, Tinubu declares

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday declared that Nigeria has assumed the position of Africa’s pacesetter in renewable energy capacity development following the inauguration of the continent’s first Renewable Energy College and a Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant in Kogi State.

The President said the commissioning of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, Osara (BARECKS), and the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to build the skilled workforce required to power Africa’s energy transition.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President at the commissioning ceremony held at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, conveyed Tinubu’s satisfaction with the completion of what he described as a world-class institution built to international standards.

According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the President said the college answers the long-standing question of who would build and maintain Africa’s renewable energy future.

‘This is the first institution of its kind on the African continent, modelled on the celebrated vocational colleges of India that turned unlettered grandmothers into solar engineers.

‘If that method could light the villages of Rajasthan, it can light the settlements of Kogi, Ondo and Cross River. Nigeria assumes, from today, the position of pacesetter in renewable energy capacity development across Africa’, Tinubu said.

The President noted that although Nigeria is richly endowed with sunlight, wind, biomass and water resources, the country’s greatest challenge has been converting those natural advantages into electricity generation and employment opportunities.

He expressed confidence that the new institution would bridge that gap by producing the skilled manpower required to drive the renewable energy sector.

Tinubu recalled that the project began barely two years ago with a groundbreaking ceremony on the same site, describing its completion as evidence that purposeful leadership can deliver tangible results.

‘Two years ago, we stood on this ground for the groundbreaking of this institution, with red earth underfoot and the ambition of a few determined Nigerians for company. Today, we stand before a world-class edifice, completed to international standards,’ he said.

He observed that while Nigerians had become accustomed to projects whose foundation stones often outlast those who laid them, the college fulfilled its promise within schedule.

The President explained that the institution was established as a vocational and technical college to address what he described as the widest gap in Africa’s energy transition-the shortage of competent technical manpower.

‘Our continent has never suffered a deficit of intention. We have suffered the scarcity of hands trained to execute them,’ he said.

According to him, the college will train technicians, installers, operators and maintenance professionals with practical competence in renewable energy technologies, equipping them with internationally recognised certifications that will enable them to secure employment, establish businesses and compete globally.

‘A certificate issued in Osara must one day command respect in Nairobi and in Frankfurt,’ Tinubu added.

He appealed to development partners, the private sector, international organisations and research institutions to collaborate with the college in expanding research, innovation and technical training, assuring that Nigeria is prepared to lead such partnerships.

The President commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria for their persistence in taking the project from conception to completion.

He also praised Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, as well as the government and people of the state, for providing the enabling environment that made the project possible.

Earlier, Governor Ododo described the inauguration of the college as evidence that Nigeria is advancing on the path of sustainable development through strategic investment in human capital.

He said the institution would strengthen the nation’s energy sector by building technical capacity, attracting investment and creating economic opportunities for host communities.

The governor also commended the Federal Government for addressing Nigeria’s electricity challenges through strategic investments in the knowledge economy, saying the initiative justifies continued support for the Tinubu administration.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, described the project as a major investment in human capital development and job creation.

According to him, the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven economy, stressing that Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy depends on developing a highly skilled workforce in strategic sectors such as renewable energy.

He urged the pioneer trainees to uphold high technical and ethical standards and serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, described the college as the first of its kind in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the facility is equipped with smart classrooms, battery energy laboratories, a mini-grid simulation centre, energy efficiency laboratories and other state-of-the-art training facilities designed to produce highly skilled professionals in renewable energy research and development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Anaje, welcomed the establishment of the institution, saying it would equip young Nigerians with valuable technical skills and enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

He thanked the federal government for locating the landmark institution in Kogi State.

DA shelves rice cap plan, rules out ban on imports

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reversed its plan to impose another price cap on imported five percent broken rice, noting that current market prices have remained below the price ceiling.

The agency also signaled it would not implement a ban on rice imports to strengthen the country’s supply ahead of the anticipated effects of the El Niño weather event.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said there is no need to impose extraordinary measures on rice as prevailing prices remain stable.

‘It doesn’t seem necessary to impose a price cap because the price cap was set at P50 per kilo, but we are seeing prices at P47 to P50 per kilo. There is no need for extraordinary measures as of the moment,’ he told reporters during a market visit in Las Piñas City.

The agency earlier proposed another two-month extension to Executive Order 118, which imposed a P50-per-kilo cap on five percent broken imported rice.

The proposal was also endorsed by the National Price Coordinating Council to President Marcos last month.

The DA chief earlier said the price ceiling on imported rice has contributed to easing food inflation.

The order was meant to curb rising rice prices, prevent abusive market practices and ensure the availability of affordable grain while maintaining overall market stability.

Tiu Laurel added that he would also meet with local rice millers to discuss a potential fair pricing structure for grain, noting that locally produced rice should retail at around P47 to P50 per kilo.

‘We want a market where farmers receive fair compensation, millers and traders operate sustainably and consumers continue to enjoy reasonably priced rice,’ he said.

The prevailing price for imported well-milled rice was at P50 per kilo in Metro Manila markets, while premium rice was seen at P48 per kilo, according to the DA’s price monitoring as of Aug 3.

Meanwhile, Tiu Laurel noted that the government will not impose a ban on imported rice to ensure adequate supply of rice ahead of the El Niño, which is expected to last until early next year.

‘There will be no import ban because there is a big El Niño coming and we have to have buffer stocks in preparation for December to April next year,’ he added.

The mandate comes as farmer groups are seeking a 30 percent safeguard duty on imported rice, warning that the continued surge in rice imports have negatively affected the domestic rice industry.

Tiu Laurel said the National Food Authority (NFA) is prepared to purchase more palay (unhusked rice) from farmers during the upcoming harvest season in September.

He added that the NFA is ready to purchase about 500,000 metric tons (MT) of rice from farmers, at a minimum of P21 per kilo for wet palay and between P25 to P27 per kilo for dry palay.

‘Unlike last year, our warehouse was full. The NFA’s instruction is that by September, their warehouses should be almost empty,’ Tiu Laurel said.

He added that the DA has requested rice importers to stop the importation of five percent broken rice to support the local rice industry.

The Philippines has imported 3.3 million MT of rice as of Aug. 3, according to Tiu Laurel, putting the country on track to surpass the 3.39 million MT imports recorded in 2025.

EDITORIAL – Drugs, drivers, and students

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operatives in Cebu City recently arrested a woman accused of selling drugs in Barangay Quiot Pardo.

The NBI normally handles high-profile domestic or transnational criminal cases, cybercrimes, and cases involving corruption and human trafficking. So what were they doing in a drug case involving a mere pusher?

The bureau said it took particular interest in this one because it involved someone who was allegedly operating near three schools and a bus station, and selling drugs to public utility drivers, as well as students.

“The reason why we conducted this operation, although we seldom operate on drugs, is because of the impact on the surrounding businesses and communities adjacent to that particular location,” said the agent handling the case, Atty. Wenceslao Galindez.

It’s no secret that some drivers use shabu to help them drive longer. The drug is a stimulant and can actually be counted on to help them stay awake and concentrate longer.

It’s also no secret that some students turn to drugs for the exact same purpose; help them stay awake and concentrate longer.

However, we all know how drugs work; they have serious side effects like addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and hallucinations.

For students, an addiction can be bad. Especially when money intended for tuition, ‘miscellaneous fees’, school supplies, and rent, among others, now goes to feeding a drug habit.

For drivers, it can even be dangerous, and not just to themselves, but their passengers and others on the road too. Driving while drunk is one thing, driving while drugged is another.

Galindez said other pushers in that same area are also targeting students and drivers in particular.

“Actually there are a lot of them selling drugs in that particular location. They move from one place to the other,’ he went on to say.

Law enforcers, the barangays, and schools should band together to make sure students and drivers don’t become prospective customers for drug pushers.

Because it’s certainly a bad development if many pushers have become so bold as to now position themselves in ‘strategic’ areas near schools and places where they frequent.