By Ovat Abeng
Anambra State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Nigerian Army, Navy, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the State security outfit (Agunechemba), has vowed to eliminate the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.
They made the vowed during this year 2026 commemoration of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held at the Federal Secretariat hall in Awka, on Friday, June 26th, 2026.
The global event, annually observed on June 26 and declared by the United Nations, is aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and promoting collective action towards a drug-free society.
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The 2026 edition of the global observance with the theme – “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges and Innovative Responses,” brought together the above mentioned agencies io brainstorm on the ills of the menace.
The NDLEA State Commander, Mr Charles Onubogu, in his welcome address said the campaign focused on combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking through prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, law enforcement and partnership with relevant stakeholders including community leaders.
According to him, this year’s theme, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” is a call for us all to rethink our roles and a reminder that drug abuse is a shared challenge that requires a unified response.
“As the State Commander, my officers and I witness the damage drug inflict on people on daily basis. We see the broken lives, we see the shattered potentials of
those caught in the web of addiction, and that is why we are calling on all of us here to key in to the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Initiative of the Agency ably led by Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd).
For us at NDLEA, we are tackling this drug problem through a balanced approach of Demand Reduction and Supply Reduction.
“I took over the leadership of Anambra State Command 11 months ago and within this few months we have arrested a total number of 570 suspects, seized about 1.8 tons of illicit drugs, secured a total of 128 convictions, rehabilitated 102 clients, counselled 445 drugs users under brief intervention, covered more than 120 Schools/Churches and communities including motor parks and corporate offices in WADA Sensitization programme within this 11 months.
All this achievements wouldn’t have been possible without mentioning and women of the Command.
“To our Youth: You are the most important stakeholders in this fight.
“Drugs are traps disguised as a shortcut to excitement or relief. It promises everything but actually takes everything. So I urge you to choose your well-being, your dreams, and your future over the temporary high of a substance that will eventually take everything.
“To our community leaders and partners: the NDLEA cannot be everywhere at once. We rely on your vigilance. When you see something suspicious in your neighborhood, report it. When you see a young person struggling, guide them towards help rather than judgment.
“The NDLEA remains committed to interdicting illicit substances and bringing those who profit from this trade to justice, Onubogu noted.
He commended other relevant stakeholders, especially, the State governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, sister agencies, the traditional ruler of Ogidi Community, Igwe Pharm. A. Onyido, Chairman of G.U.O Motors, Chief Sir Godwin Ubaka Okeke for their unrelented support for the agency.
In his remark, the State governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, said his administration will continue to support the Agency in the fight against the menace through the ongoing “One Youth, Two Skills empowerment programme in the state.
He was represented by the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon Patrick Ah-Mbah.
In his goodwill message, the Commander, 302 Artillery Regiment (GS) Onitsha, Colonel B. M. Yakubu, commending NDLEA for the collaboration, assure that the Nigerian Army, 302 Artillery Regiment Onitsha remains committed to supporting all lawful efforts aimed at promoting peace, security, and the well-being of Anambra communities, adding that the fight against drug abuse is not solely a law enforcement responsibility; it is a collective responsibility that requires prevention, education, mentorship, rehabilitation, and sustained public awareness.
Yakubu encouraged young people to reject drug abuse in all its forms.
Also in their separate remarks, the Deputy Director and Anambra State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Pharm Louis Madubutta, Administrative head of Agunechemba, Sir Chike Samuel and the Keynote speaker at the event, who is also the state Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, charges Anambra youths, particularly, the students to run away from illicit drugs, in which they argued that are capable of destroying their academic pursuit and future dreams.
They called on other concern groups and individuals to join hands in tackling the menace they described as the mother of all social vices.
The event featured a road walk, sensitization and community engagement aimed at educating youths and residents on the dangers of drug abuse and also presentation of gifts to winners of Igwe Onyido’s Secondary schools quiz competition.
