The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has solicited more support of Enugu and Ebonyi State Governments in the fight against drug trafficking in the two states.
The new NDLEA Zonal Commander for Enugu and Ebonyi, Mr Owoputi Adekunle, made the appeal on Friday at his maiden news briefing in Enugu.
The agency urged the two governors, Peter Mbah and Francis Nwifuru, to support the zone with logistics to strengthen its fight against illicit trafficking and substance abuse in the two states.
Adekunle said the agency also required greater collaboration from traditional institutions, communities and other stakeholders to effectively combat the growing menace of illicit drugs.
“We cannot do it alone. A tree does not make a forest. We need logistics, especially operational vehicles, to enable our officers to carry out surveillance, arrests and investigations effectively.
“I want to use this medium to appeal to the two state governments to come to our aid because there is absolutely nothing any state can achieve, if the drug problem is not tackled,” he said.
The zonal commander noted that most of the command’s operational vehicles were either inadequate or in poor condition, making it difficult for officers to respond promptly to intelligence and conduct operations across the two states.
According to him, any support provided to the agency will ultimately benefit the society by improving security and protecting young people from the dangers of drug abuse.
He commended Mbah for his continued support to the agency during his tenure as Enugu State Commander and expressed optimism that Nwifuru would also extend similar assistance.
Adekunle said the agency would intensify public enlightenment campaigns through schools, traditional rulers, religious organisations and the media to discourage drug abuse, particularly among young people.
He explained that the NDLEA would continue to organise school-based sensitisation programmes and community engagements to educate residents on the harmful effects of illicit drug use.
“I am not new to Enugu. For the past eight to 10 months, I served as the state commander, where we made significant arrests, disrupted supply chains and intensified awareness campaigns.
“I will not rest on my previous achievements. My goal is to leave a lasting legacy through increased arrests, seizures and successful prosecution of drug traffickers,” he said.
He warned drug traffickers and users to steer clear of criminal activities, stressing that the agency would not compromise in enforcing the law.
“I advise youths to stay away from illicit drugs and embrace productive lifestyles.
“The future matters. Let us protect our future potentials by saying no to drugs and yes to life,” he said.
Adekunle described drug abuse as a major threat to economic growth, security and national development, noting that it fuels crimes such as robbery, rape and other violent offences.
He commended the Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), for providing leadership and motivation to officers across the country in the fight against illicit drugs.
