Delta Govt Urges NDLEA to Intensify Crackdown on Drug Cartels

The Delta State Government has called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to adopt stronger and smarter tactics in tackling the growing drug menace across the state.

During an advocacy visit by the new State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Halilu Hamidu, the Director General of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, stressed the urgency of a more intelligence-driven, sustained operation against drug traffickers and their networks.

Oghenesivbe said the state remains committed to its vision of a drug-free Delta. He urged the NDLEA to move beyond intermittent surveillance and embrace consistent intelligence gathering that targets suppliers and kingpins directly.

He noted that focusing efforts on dismantling the source of drug supply would drastically reduce abuse and its ripple effects on society. “Eliminate the traffickers and the market disappears,” he said, referencing the link between drug abuse and rising crime rates such as kidnapping, rape, ritual killings, and road accidents.

As part of the Oborevwori-led administration’s security and peace initiative under the MORE agenda, Oghenesivbe stated that ongoing support for security agencies which includes over 40 operational vehicles have been provided to aid their efforts, with the NDLEA among the beneficiaries.

He also revealed plans to strengthen rehabilitation efforts through centres in Kwale and Agbor, as well as a proposed relocation of the NDLEA office from Ogwashi-Uku to the state capital, Asaba, to boost effectiveness.

Commander Hamidu, in his response, reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to fighting drug abuse and trafficking in the state. He outlined a three-pronged strategy which is focused on enforcement through arrests and prosecution, prevention through awareness campaigns, and recovery through rehabilitation.

He lauded the existing collaboration between the agency and the state and pledged to deepen ties to achieve lasting results.