Abia Govt Donates Vehicles to NDLEA and Immigration to Strengthen Security Operations

The Abia State Government has handed over operational vehicles to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to strengthen their capacity in tackling crime and ensuring safety in the state.

On Tuesday, August 27, 2025, two Hilux vehicles were presented to the NDLEA, while the Immigration Service, Abia Command, received one operational vehicle. The handover ceremony took place at Government House, Umuahia.

Speaking during the presentation, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Unah (Rtd.), represented by the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Homeland Security Agency, Col. Chidi Kalu Ukoha (Rtd.), said the gesture reflected the Governor’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

“Governor Otti holds the security of lives and property very dear and is doing everything possible to ensure that the state is very secure. The state government is supporting these agencies with operational vehicles in order to mitigate crime and nip it in the bud,” Unah said.

He emphasized that security is the foundation for socio-economic growth, stressing that no development can thrive in an unsafe environment.

Unah assured the NDLEA and NIS of the state government’s readiness to continue partnering with federal security agencies to achieve their mandates. He noted that Governor Otti is determined to create a safe environment for businesses and residents to flourish.

In her response, the Controller of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Abia State Command, Mrs Justina Owe, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti, describing the donation as a timely intervention that would boost their operational efficiency.

The Commander of the NDLEA, Abia Command, Mr Joseph Owoputi, also thanked the Governor for fulfilling his promise of providing operational vehicles. He assured that the NDLEA would put the vehicles to effective use in tackling drug abuse and curbing related crimes in Abia.

“We will use these vehicles to reduce drug abuse in the state and will leave no stone unturned in bringing crime to its barest minimum,” Owoputi stated.

Governor Otti had promised last week, during a courtesy visit by Mr Owoputi, that his administration would provide vehicles to aid NDLEA operations in the state. Tuesday’s handover reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to support security agencies in delivering on their mandates.

The event was attended by senior government officials, officers of the NDLEA, and the Nigerian Immigration Service.