The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it seized no fewer than 455.303 kilogrammes of illicit drugs and arrested 590 suspects for drug-related offences in Ebonyi State within the last one year, as it reaffirmed its determination to sustain the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
The disclosure was made on Friday in Abakaliki during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, themed: "World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses."
Speaking at the event, the Commander of the NDLEA South-East Zone, Mr. Abel Wadahi, said the agency remained resolute in dismantling drug trafficking networks and preventing substance abuse through sustained enforcement, public enlightenment and stakeholder collaboration.
Wadahi described the theme of this year's celebration as timely, urging governments, communities, parents, schools, religious organisations and other stakeholders to support the agency's efforts by investing more in drug abuse prevention and awareness programmes.
He also advised young people, particularly schoolchildren, to avoid associations that promote drug use and remain focused on productive ventures.
"We urge our youths to say no to drug abuse and trafficking. The fight against illicit drugs requires the collective efforts of every member of society," he said.
The Ebonyi State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Jude Amaefule, described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats confronting society, noting that the increasing sophistication of drug trafficking demanded innovative and evidence-based responses.
Amaefule said the command recorded significant operational successes during the period under review, revealing that the 455.303 kilogrammes of illicit substances seized comprised mainly cannabis sativa, psychotropic substances and methamphetamine.
According to him, the command arrested 590 suspects, made up of 471 males and 119 females, for various drug-related offences across the state.
He further disclosed that the command secured 23 convictions, while 22 cases are currently pending before the Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki.
On drug demand reduction, Amaefule said the agency counselled 161 persons, comprising 148 males and 13 females, while 31 individuals successfully completed rehabilitation programmes within the period.
He reaffirmed the command's commitment to intensifying surveillance, enforcement operations, public sensitisation and rehabilitation initiatives aimed at reducing drug abuse and trafficking across Ebonyi State.
Also speaking, the Ebonyi State Coordinator of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mr. Emeka Orajaka, commended the partnership between NAFDAC and the NDLEA, describing it as instrumental in strengthening drug regulation and combating the circulation of illicit substances.
Orajaka said the collaboration had enhanced efforts to protect public health and curb the menace of drug abuse in the state.
A pharmacist, Mrs. Chioma Okonkwo, called for stronger digital campaigns and sustained public enlightenment to discourage drug abuse, particularly among young people.
She urged parents to provide proper guidance for their children and advocated improved access to counselling services in hospitals, alongside intensified awareness campaigns in schools, churches and markets.
Representatives of the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Immigration Service, medical professionals and other stakeholders also participated in the event, urging schoolchildren and members of the public to embrace anti-drug campaigns and shun drug abuse and trafficking.
The event formed part of activities marking the global observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to a coordinated approach in addressing the growing challenge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
