The Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has, within the past one year, seized banned substances The post Delta: NDLEA impounds drugs worth over N2bn in 12 months appeared first on Tribune Online .
The Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has, within the past one year, seized banned substances worth over N2 billion.
Several cases involving suspects accused of trafficking hard drugs and other banned substances into the state are also pending before the courts.
The State Commander of the agency, Mr Halilu Hamidu, made the revelation when he received the management team of the State Bureau for Orientation and Communications on a working visit to the NDLEA office to brief him on preparations for the Drug-Free Delta Phase Two Campaign, being implemented in collaboration with the NDLEA.
The commander further disclosed that women constitute a significant proportion of those arrested in connection with drug trafficking, urging the state government, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with the NDLEA towards the actualisation of a Drug-Free Delta.
Hamidu called for sustained collective action in support of the Drug-Free Delta campaign and the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, stressing that the government, law enforcement agencies, families, schools, civil society organisations and other stakeholders must work together to address the growing challenge of substance abuse.
The Director-General of the Bureau, Dr Fred Oghenesivbe, had earlier commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), for strengthening the agency’s drug integrity test and visa clearance initiatives, describing them as timely and strategic interventions in Nigeria’s continuing war against substance abuse, illicit drug trafficking and related social vices.
The NDLEA currently operates online platforms for both Drug Integrity Tests and Visa Clearance, with the agency describing the Drug Integrity Test as part of its demand-reduction strategy and an early intervention mechanism.
The Bureau chief said the NDLEA Drug Integrity Test initiative goes beyond routine screening, as it provides an important mechanism for early detection, intervention, counselling and rehabilitation, particularly among young people who are increasingly vulnerable to the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
He noted that the initiative, alongside the Visa Clearance programme, reinforces national efforts to discourage drug use and trafficking, promote responsible behaviour and protect Nigeria’s international image.
The Director-General said the NDLEA initiatives are particularly relevant to the Drug-Free Delta Campaign, a major public enlightenment and behavioural-change programme of the Delta State Government, launched under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as part of his administration’s commitment to building a safer, healthier and more productive Delta State.
Oghenesivbe disclosed that his office will commence Phase Two of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign on September 21, 2026, in collaboration with the Delta State Command of the NDLEA, with intensive sensitisation programmes across universities, colleges and selected secondary schools in the state.
He explained that Phase Two is designed to reinforce awareness among students and young people about the dangers and negative consequences of substance abuse, drug dependency and illicit drug peddling, while equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to resist peer pressure and other influences that may lead them into drug use or trafficking.
The Director-General further disclosed that the Delta State Government is considering the introduction of Drug Integrity Tests across tertiary institutions as a possible precondition for admission and graduation, subject to the necessary approvals and policy considerations.
He said such a measure, if approved and properly implemented, could contribute significantly to curbing substance abuse and the use of illicit drugs among students across the state.
Oghenesivbe called on parents, teachers, school authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, student unions, youth organisations, civil society groups and the media to support Phase Two of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign, stressing that government alone cannot win the war against substance abuse.
He urged students, in particular, to become ambassadors of the Drug-Free Delta vision and reject the use, sale and promotion of illicit drugs.
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