The Delta State Government has intensified its campaign against substance abuse as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) disclosed that it seized illicit drugs and other banned substances worth more than N2 billion in the state within the past 12 months.
The Delta State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Halilu Hamidu, disclosed this when the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, led the management team of the Bureau on a working visit to the Command in Ogwashi-Uku.
Hamidu said several cases involving suspects accused of trafficking hard drugs and other prohibited substances into Delta State were currently before the courts.
He also revealed that women constituted a significant proportion of those arrested in connection with drug trafficking, stressing the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to tackle the menace.
The Delta State Commander of the NDLEA called for sustained collective action in support of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign and the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori.
He stressed that government, law enforcement agencies, families, schools, civil society organisations and other stakeholders must work together to address the growing challenge of substance abuse.
“The NDLEA has continued to emphasise the need to combine enforcement with prevention, counselling and rehabilitation as part of efforts to tackle Nigeria’s drug problem”, Hamidu stated.
Responding, the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr.Fred Oghenesivbe commended the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), for strengthening the Agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance initiatives.
He described the initiatives as timely and strategic measures in the ongoing fight against substance abuse, illicit drug trafficking and other social vices.
According to him, the NDLEA’s Drug Integrity Test goes beyond routine screening, as it provides an avenue for early detection, intervention, counselling and rehabilitation, particularly for young people who are increasingly vulnerable to substance abuse.
He said the initiative, alongside the Visa Clearance programme, would further discourage drug use and trafficking, promote responsible behaviour and protect Nigeria’s international image.
Oghenesivbe disclosed that the second phase of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign would be formally flagged off on September 21, 2026, at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, with intensive sensitisation activities subsequently taking place across the three senatorial districts of the state.
He said the campaign, being implemented in collaboration with the NDLEA, would target universities, colleges and selected secondary schools, with emphasis on educating students and young people on the dangers of substance abuse, drug dependency and illicit drug trafficking.
The Director-General explained that the second phase would equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to resist peer pressure and other influences that could lead them into drug use or trafficking.
He further disclosed that the state government was considering the introduction of Drug Integrity Tests in tertiary institutions as a possible pre-condition for admission and graduation, subject to necessary approvals and policy considerations.
Oghenesivbe said such a measure, if approved and properly implemented, could help curb the use of illicit drugs among students across the state.
He stressed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori remained deeply concerned about the wellbeing and future of Delta youths and would continue to support initiatives aimed at ensuring that young people live healthy, productive and drug-free lives.
According to him, the campaign would also make it clear that drug peddling is a criminal enterprise capable of destroying individuals, families and communities.
He said the state government would continue to work closely with the NDLEA to strengthen public enlightenment, encourage responsible reporting and support lawful efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute drug dealers and traffickers.
Oghenesivbe added that government would also support counselling, treatment and rehabilitation programmes for victims of substance abuse and persons struggling with addiction.
He called on parents, teachers, school authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, student unions, youth organisations, civil society groups and the media to support the second phase of the campaign.
The Director-General stressed that government alone could not win the war against substance abuse, urging students to become ambassadors of the Drug-Free Delta vision by rejecting the use, sale and promotion of illicit drugs.
He reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to sustained public enlightenment and strategic collaboration with the NDLEA and other relevant agencies.
Oghenesivbe said a drug-free Delta was achievable when prevention, education, enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation were pursued collectively.
