The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has stepped up its crackdown on illicit drug activities in Rivers State, arresting no fewer than 39 suspects between December 2025 and March 2026.
The State Commander of the agency, Bature Dawa, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government in Port Harcourt.
Dawa said the arrests include 16 fresh cases currently under investigation, as the agency intensifies operations through its Drug Demand Reduction and Drug Supply Control units to curb the proliferation of illicit substances.
He stressed that the NDLEA remains committed to ensuring that offenders are brought to justice, while also scaling up preventive measures to reduce drug abuse, particularly among young people.
The commander called on parents and guardians to be more vigilant, urging them to monitor their children closely. He also appealed to hotel owners and managers to ensure their facilities are not used for drug-related activities.
Dawa further advocated the introduction of drug integrity tests in schools and within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing the measure as critical to addressing rising substance abuse among youths.
Responding, the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, commended the NDLEA’s efforts and reaffirmed the state government’s support for federal agencies working to sustain safety and security.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Wokoma lauded the collaboration between security agencies, noting that it aligns with the administration’s vision of promoting peace, prosperity and sustainable development in the state.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding, emphasising that adherence to regulations is essential for effective governance and social order.
In a related development, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Inyang Umoh, also paid a courtesy visit, reiterating the need for motorists to comply with traffic laws to enhance road safety across the state.
