NDLEA REPORTS N2BN DRUG SEIZURES IN DELTA, RAISES ALARM OVER FEMALE TRAFFICKERS

The Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has seized illicit drugs estimated at ₦2 billion within the past year, as the agency raised concerns over the growing involvement of women in drug trafficking across the state.

The State Commander, Halilu Hamidu, disclosed this during a working visit by the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications to the command in Ogwashi-Uku. The delegation was led by the bureau’s Director-General, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe.

Hamidu said the value of the substances seized over the period reflected the seriousness of the illicit drug trade and substance abuse problem confronting Delta State.

He disclosed that several cases involving suspects allegedly linked to the trafficking of hard drugs and other prohibited substances were currently before the courts.

The NDLEA commander expressed particular concern over the number of women being arrested in connection with drug-related offences. He said women now constituted a significant proportion of suspects apprehended for illicit drug activities in the state.

According to him, the development requires a broader and more coordinated response involving government institutions, families, schools, community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

Hamidu stressed that the responsibility for combating drug trafficking and substance abuse should not be left solely to law enforcement agencies, urging other sectors of society to become actively involved in prevention and awareness efforts.

He called for stronger cooperation between the NDLEA and the Delta State Government, as well as civil society groups and other relevant organisations, to intensify efforts aimed at reducing drug abuse and trafficking.

The commander said such collaboration would be crucial to achieving the objective of creating a Drug-Free Delta, particularly by addressing the factors that make young people and other vulnerable groups susceptible to substance abuse.

Oghenesivbe, who led the state bureau's delegation, commended the NDLEA for its continued efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse across Delta State.

He also disclosed plans for the second phase of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign, which is being implemented jointly by the Bureau for Orientation and Communications and the NDLEA.

According to him, the second phase of the campaign will be officially launched at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, on September 21, 2026, with activities scheduled to extend across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Oghenesivbe described the campaign as a public enlightenment and behavioural-change initiative designed to educate residents about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage healthier choices, particularly among young people.

He also highlighted the NDLEA's Drug Integrity Test initiative, saying it should not be viewed simply as a routine screening exercise but as a tool for early detection, intervention, counselling and rehabilitation.

He noted that young people were particularly vulnerable to the consequences of substance abuse and therefore required early guidance and support to prevent drug use from affecting their education, health, relationships and future prospects.

The bureau chief further said initiatives such as the Drug Integrity Test and the NDLEA's Visa Clearance programme could support wider efforts to discourage drug use and trafficking while contributing to Nigeria's international reputation.

The latest disclosure underscores the continuing challenge posed by illicit drugs in Delta State and the need for sustained enforcement alongside public education, rehabilitation and community-based prevention.

The NDLEA and the state government are expected to intensify their joint campaign as preparations begin for the next phase of the Drug-Free Delta initiative.