Yahaya Idris in Asaba
The Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that it seized banned substances estimated at more than N2 billion within the past one year, as the State Government intensifies efforts to tackle drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The disclosure was made by the Delta State NDLEA Commander, Mr. Halilu Hamidu, when the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., led the Bureau’s management team on a working visit to the Command in Ogwashi-Uku.
Hamidu also revealed that several cases involving suspects accused of trafficking hard drugs and other prohibited substances into Delta State are currently pending before the courts.
The NDLEA Commander’s disclosure came as the Delta State Government announced plans to commence the second phase of its Drug-Free Delta Campaign on September 21, 2026.
The campaign, according to Oghenesivbe, will be formally flagged off at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, with sensitisation activities expected to take place across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Commending the NDLEA for its enforcement and prevention efforts, Oghenesivbe praised the agency’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), particularly for strengthening initiatives such as the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance programmes.
He described the initiatives as strategic interventions in the country’s continuing battle against substance abuse, illicit drug trafficking and associated social problems.
Oghenesivbe said the Drug Integrity Test should not be viewed merely as a routine screening exercise, arguing that it could support early detection, counselling, intervention and rehabilitation, particularly among young people.
He said the initiative aligns with the objectives of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign, which is designed to increase awareness among young people about the dangers of drug abuse, dependency and illicit drug trafficking.
The Director-General said the second phase of the campaign would focus extensively on universities, colleges and selected secondary schools across Delta State.
He added that the campaign would equip students and young people with information needed to resist peer pressure and other influences that could expose them to substance abuse or drug trafficking.
Oghenesivbe further disclosed that the Delta State Government is considering the introduction of Drug Integrity Tests in tertiary institutions as a possible condition for admission and graduation.
He, however, stressed that such a policy would be subject to the necessary approvals and policy considerations before implementation.
According to him, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori remains concerned about the welfare and future of young Deltans and is committed to policies aimed at ensuring that youths live healthy, productive and drug-free lives.
The Bureau chief warned that drug peddling remains a criminal enterprise capable of devastating individuals, families and communities.
He called on parents, teachers, school authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, student unions, youth organisations, civil society groups and the media to support the campaign.
Oghenesivbe maintained that government alone could not win the war against substance abuse, urging students to become ambassadors of the Drug-Free Delta campaign by rejecting the use, sale and promotion of illicit substances.
He also reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to sustained public enlightenment and collaboration with the NDLEA and other relevant institutions.
Hamidu, on his part, called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, communities, schools, families and civil society organisations to address the growing challenge of substance abuse.
He particularly urged stakeholders to support the Drug-Free Delta Campaign and the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori.
The NDLEA has consistently advocated a combination of enforcement, prevention, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s drug problem.