The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has emphasized the critical importance of defeating drug trafficking due to its adverse effects on society. Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, made this statement during a visit to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the Government House in Asaba.
Marwa pointed out that the prevalence of hard drug abuse in Nigeria had reached alarming levels, with more than 15 million drug users aged between 15 and 64 years, according to a survey conducted by a relevant United Nations agency. He called for the support and collaboration of the state government in the battle against this crisis.
Marwa attributed various criminal activities such as kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, insurgency, rape, and murder across the country to the abuse of hard drugs by the perpetrators. He noted that the drug abuse rate in Delta State, among individuals aged 15 to 64, was at 18 percent, involving over half a million of the population.
The NDLEA, under Marwa’s leadership, reported significant achievements in its fight against drug trafficking, including the destruction of more than 1,000 hectares of land used for cultivating illicit drugs, the seizure of over 6,000 tonnes of drugs, and the arrest of over 36,000 suspects and persons of interest. Additionally, more than 6,000 individuals were convicted and imprisoned.
Marwa mentioned that he was in Delta to offer condolences to the Fidelis family following the accidental death of two-year-old Eromonsele during an operation in Asaba. He also aimed to engage with stakeholders actively involved in the fight against drug trafficking in the country.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State expressed his concern about the escalating problem of hard drug abuse in Nigeria, stressing the need to address it as a global public health issue. He called on all stakeholders to collaborate effectively in its eradication. The governor commended the NDLEA and other partners for their efforts against hard drug abuse and urged the continuation of their momentum to win the war against illicit drug trade.
Governor Oborevwori acknowledged that despite the rise in drug abuse, advocacy and rehabilitation efforts were ongoing at designated centers. He also mentioned the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant on illicit Drugs to support the NDLEA’s objectives. The governor assured the agency of the state’s unwavering support and partnership in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse. He added that an unfortunate incident in July, where an innocent child lost his life and another was injured during an NDLEA operation in the state, would not deter the state government’s commitment to supporting the anti-drug trafficking efforts.