ABIA NDLEA Commander Warns of Rising Drug Abuse, Commends Gov. Otti’s Support Ahead of 2025 UN Day Against Drug Abuse
As part of week-long events to mark the 2025 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Acting Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Abia State, Mr. Chigbu Odoemelam Chilee, has raised alarm over the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking in the state, particularly in Aba and Umuahia.
Briefing journalists at the NDLEA headquarters in Aba, Chilee revealed that Abia State has recorded over one million and ninety-four kilograms (1,094kg) of illicit drugs seized in the past year, along with 222 arrests made by the command. The confiscated substances include cannabis sativa, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine (locally called mkpurummiri), diazepam, and codeine, among others.
“The most prevalent drug here is methamphetamine, known in our local parlance as mkpurummiri,” Chilee stated.
He further disclosed that Aba currently houses the only functional rehabilitation centre for drug users in the state. However, hope is on the horizon, as Governor Alex Otti has donated a vehicle to the agency and has also made provisions for a new rehabilitation centre in Umuahia, expected to be completed in a few months.
“In terms of rehabilitation, Abia NDLEA Command has one of the best facilities, considering the number of clients and the positive records we’ve had,” he added.
Chilee explained that the NDLEA employs a two-phase strategy in its war on drugs — supply reduction and demand reduction. While arrests and seizures fall under supply reduction, demand reduction focuses on sensitization and rehabilitation.
He also acknowledged that more males than females are currently undergoing rehabilitation but emphasized this does not mean women are less involved in drug abuse.
“There are many socio-cultural, religious, and stigmatization-related reasons why women may shy away from seeking help,” he noted.
In commemorating the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse, the command initiated a week-long series of events starting on June 19th. Activities included:
- A Walk Against Drug Trafficking in Umuahia.
- Sensitization visits to religious centres including a mosque and Christ Embassy Church in Aba.
- A novelty football match between NDLEA officers and rehabilitation clients.
- A press briefing to engage the media and public.
The celebration will climax on June 26th, with a grand event at the Police Officers Mess, themed: “The Evidence is Clear, Invest In Prevention.”
Chilee stressed that NDLEA cannot fight the battle against drug abuse alone, and called on community leaders, families, religious groups, and civil society to support prevention efforts. He also lauded the State Drug Committee, recently inaugurated in Umuahia, for taking up the responsibility of sustaining awareness and action after the commemoration.
“Expect reinvigorated operational strategies going forward. The NDLEA, under the national leadership, is committed to making Abia an uncomfortable zone for drug traffickers,” he assured.
Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of the NDLEA Command, Mr. Ikechukwu Akunne, emphasized that the 2025 theme reflects the importance of investment in prevention, backed by evidence and research globally.
As the world observes the United Nations Day on June 26, the message from Abia is clear: Drug abuse is a collective fight, and prevention is the key to building a healthier, safer society.
