Over the course of a year, the Abia State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 222 people and seized more than one million kg of illegal substances.
The Acting Commander of NDLEA, Abia Command, Chigbu Odoemelam Chilee, told reporters during a briefing in Aba that was part of the week-long celebration of the “2025 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse” on June 26, 2025, that the command has increased efforts to combat the use and distribution of illegal drugs despite the notable seizures and arrests. Chilee also disclosed that Aba is the only rehabilitation facility run by the organization in Abia, according to Naija News. Additionally, he stated that Governor Alex Otti has given the organization a vehicle and donated funds for a second center in Umuahia, which should open in a few months. Smartphones that are accessible
He underlined how serious the problem of illegal substances is in Abia, pointing out that the number of arrests, seizures, and people seeking rehabilitation highlights the significant obstacle the state faces in combating drug misuse and trafficking.
“We have seized one million and ninety-four kilograms of illicit drugs in the last year,” he stated.
Cannabis, sativa, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, codeine, diazepam, and so forth are examples of these substances.
Methamphetamine, or mkpurummiri as we call it locally, is the most common drug here.
“We also arrested two hundred and twenty-two suspects in one year here. We fight the anti-drug war in two phases: one is supply reduction, and the other is demand reduction. In supply reduction, I have given you the statistics on seizures.
“However, in demand reduction, we are talking about sensitisation and rehabilitation. In rehabilitation, Abia Command of the NDLEA has one of the best facilities considering the number of clients and the records available,” Chilee noted.
The Acting Commander further stated that the main hubs for illicit drug activity in Abia State are Aba and Umuahia.
As the agency works to combat the usage and distribution of illegal substances in the state, he promised that NDLEA Abia has area commands that also cover the state’s 17 council areas and rural areas.
Chilee went on to disclose that there are more men than women in the drug rehab facility, but she emphasized that this does not mean that women do not abuse drugs.
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