The Students' Union Government (SUG) of Ebonyi State University (EBSU) has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to intensify efforts aimed at combating drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking within the university community.
The partnership was sealed on Friday during a courtesy and familiarisation visit by the EBSU SUG leadership, led by its President, Comrade Chika Abraham Nwuhuo, to the headquarters of the NDLEA Ebonyi State Command in Abakaliki.
The collaboration, according to both parties, will focus on intelligence sharing, campus-wide sensitisation campaigns, preventive education and coordinated efforts to curb substance abuse among students.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Nwuhuo said the visit was prompted by concerns raised by students over stop-and-search operations allegedly carried out around the university's permanent site gate by persons claiming to be NDLEA operatives.
He disclosed that the command clarified that it had not authorised any of its officers to mount routine operations around the university gate or lodge within students' hostels without actionable intelligence.
"Our visit was informed by concerns over stop-and-search operations allegedly conducted around the university gate by persons claiming to be NDLEA officials.
"The command made it clear that it has never authorised any operative to remain stationed around the university gate or students' lodges for routine operations. Whenever the agency carries out any operation, it is intelligence-driven and targeted," Nwuhuo said.
He described the engagement as enlightening, noting that it corrected several misconceptions held by students regarding the activities of the anti-narcotics agency.
"Today's engagement has been very enlightening. The command clarified issues we previously misunderstood regarding its operations and encouraged us to report any unauthorised persons impersonating its officers or carrying out suspicious activities around the university environment," he stated.
The SUG President commended the NDLEA for its openness and professionalism, saying the interaction had strengthened students' confidence in the agency.
"I must say that I am convinced our country is making progress. This engagement has strengthened our confidence in the NDLEA and opened a new chapter of collaboration between the agency and the student community," he added.
Nwuhuo strongly condemned drug abuse among students, describing substance abuse as a major threat to academic excellence, public safety and the future of young people.
"I vehemently condemn any student engaging in drug abuse. Drug abuse spreads easily within peer groups and destroys lives. Anyone found engaging in such criminal activities should face the full weight of the law because substance abuse is harmful not only to the individual but also to society," he said.
He disclosed that both organisations had agreed to organise faculty-based sensitisation programmes across the university to educate students on the dangers of illicit drug use.
According to him, communication channels have also been established between the SUG leadership and senior officials of the NDLEA to facilitate timely intelligence sharing on suspected drug-related activities.
"We have exchanged contacts with the command's leadership. Going forward, whenever we observe anyone involved in drug abuse or illicit drug trafficking, we will promptly provide credible information. We have extended our hands of partnership because the fight against drugs requires collective responsibility," he said.
The SUG President urged students to shun drug abuse and focus on legitimate pursuits capable of securing their future.
"My advice to students is simple: stay away from drugs regardless of the temptation. There are countless legitimate opportunities to succeed in life without engaging in drug trafficking or substance abuse," he stressed.
Speaking on behalf of the NDLEA Ebonyi State Command, the Command's Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Narcotics Patrick Ikechukwu Ejeri, said the agency's statutory mandate extends beyond arrests and prosecution to include preventive education, counselling and rehabilitation.
"The law establishing the NDLEA gives us a dual responsibility—drug supply reduction through arrests and prosecution, and drug demand reduction through preventive education, treatment and rehabilitation. Our assignment goes beyond enforcement," Ejeri explained.
He announced that the command would soon commence faculty-by-faculty drug abuse preventive education programmes at Ebonyi State University to enlighten students on the health, social and legal consequences of substance abuse.
"We are taking the campaign directly to the students. Through faculty-based sensitisation programmes, we will provide factual information that will discourage drug abuse, while those requiring help will receive counselling and rehabilitation," he said.
Ejeri warned individuals hiding under the guise of students to engage in illicit drug trafficking that the agency would intensify surveillance and enforcement operations across campuses.
"There will be no hiding place for drug traffickers operating within our campuses. Anyone found engaging in illicit drug trafficking will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law," he warned.
He appealed to students and members of the public to support the anti-drug campaign by volunteering credible information, assuring them that the identities of informants would be treated with strict confidentiality.
"This fight cannot be won by the NDLEA alone. We need the cooperation of students, parents and members of the public. We assure everyone that every piece of credible information will be handled professionally, while the identity of informants will remain protected," Ejeri said.
The meeting ended with both the EBSU Students' Union Government and the NDLEA Ebonyi State Command reaffirming their commitment to sustained collaboration aimed at promoting a drug-free academic environment, preventing substance abuse and safeguarding the future of Nigerian youths.
