Abia State has taken bold steps under the leadership of Governor Dr.
Alex Otti, to combat Drug abuse and illicit trafficking, he has proven that the fight against drug abuse must go beyond words and gestures. For him, building a healthier society begins with protecting lives, especially the youth, from falling into addiction and restoring hope to those already affected.
Governor Otti has taken this burden seriously. His Administration has adopted a comprehensive strategy, one that balances enforcement with compassion. In collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abia is tightening its grip on drug trafficking and substance misuse, and is working with families, schools, and communities to raise awareness and offer support.
In addition to this, he established the State Drug Abuse Control Committee in February and charged them with the responsibility of curbing illicit use of drugs and production of fake drugs. The Committee consists of stakeholders from health, security, civil society, and traditional institutions to coordinate outreaches, prevention, and recovery services, ensuring that even the most remote communities are not left behind.
Equally noteworthy is the role of Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, the First Lady of Abia State, who is also the Chairperson of the State Drug Abuse Control Committee, and has been a vocal advocate for youth-centered prevention. She continues to emphasize the need for Education, compassion, and Community support, noting that the stigma surrounding addiction often pushes victims further into isolation. Her message is clear: we must guide, not condemn.
As part of week-long events to mark the 2025 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Acting Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Abia State, Mr. Chigbu Odoemelam Chilee, has raised alarm over the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking in the State, particularly in Aba and Umuahia.
In his Speech, the acting Commander, Abia State National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr Chigbu Odoemelam Chilee revealed that Abia State has recorded over one million and ninety-four kilograms (1,094kg) of illicit drugs seized in the past year, along with 222 arrests made by the Command. The confiscated substances include cannabis sativa, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine (locally called mkpurummiri), diazepam, and codeine, among others.
“The most prevalent drug here is methamphetamine, known in our local parlance as mkpurummiri,” Chilee stated.
He further disclosed that Aba currently houses the only functional rehabilitation centre for drug users in the State. However, hope is on the horizon, as Governor Alex Otti has donated a vehicle to the Agency and has also made provisions for a new rehabilitation centre in Umuahia, expected to be completed in few months.
“In terms of rehabilitation, Abia NDLEA Command has one of the best facilities, considering the number of clients and the positive records we’ve had,” he added.
Chilee explained that the NDLEA employs a two-phase strategy in its war on drugs — supply reduction and demand reduction. While arrests and seizures fall under supply reduction, demand reduction focuses on sensitization and rehabilitation
Mr Chilee stressed that NDLEA cannot fight the battle against drug abuse alone, and called on community leaders, families, religious groups, and civil society to support prevention efforts. He also lauded the State Drug Committee, recently inaugurated in Umuahia, for taking up the responsibility of sustaining awareness and action after the commemoration.
“Expect reinvigorated operational strategies going forward. The NDLEA, under the national leadership, is committed to making Abia an uncomfortable zone for drug traffickers,” he assured.
Abia NDLEA Commander warns of Rising Drug Abuse, commends Governor Otti’s Support Ahead of 2025 UN Day Against Drug Abuse.
He also acknowledged that more males than females are currently undergoing rehabilitation but emphasized this does not mean women are less involved in drug abuse.
“There are many socio-cultural, religious, and stigmatization-related reasons why women may shy away from seeking help,” he noted.
In commemorating the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse, the Command initiated a week-long series of events which commenced on June 19th.
Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of the NDLEA Command, Mr. Ikechukwu Akunne, emphasized that the 2025 theme reflects the importance of investment in prevention, backed by evidence and research globally.
One of the Resource Persons, in her lectures on ” Dangers of Drug Abuse” stated that many crimes are committed as a result of influence of drugs. She pleaded that all hands must be on deck to combat illicit use of drugs. She went further to say that Drug Abuse can be averted in Abia State if everyone shuns the illicit use of it.
She announced that Abia State has always performed excellently in the National NDLEA Essay Competition. The winner of the Essay Competition Master Christolite was announced and award given to him.
In his Speech, he thanked the organizers and encouraged other students to stay focused in the pursuit of their Academics and stay away from drugs as this will take them away from their future. He also encouraged them to study hard and get prepared for Next Year’s Essay Competition.
Dr Chiamaka Anyanwu, a staff of the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia in her lectures said it is better and cheaper to abstain from drugs than the treatment of it’s adverse effects. She urged the Youths to stay away from drugs because once you venture into it, stopping it becomes very difficult as their is a neuron that will continue urging you for more. Dr. Anyanwu also advised parents to be vigilant over their children as they are very smart. She also encouraged them not to hesitate in reporting any case that is beyond their control to the right quarters which is NDLEA Office.
The Representative of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in his Speech said, drugs have devastating effects on drivers when driving, because of this, they always arrest any driver that is driving recklessly and sends him to the Psychiatrist Centre for further everluation. He mentioned that FRSC has always worked in partnership with the NDLEA to fight against Drug Abuse. He encouraged the populace to join hands together for us to fight this menace that is ravaging the society.
As the world observes the United Nations Day this June 26, the message from Abia is clear: Drug abuse is a collective fight, and prevention is the key to building a healthier, safer society.
The Occasion of the 2025 United Nations Day Against Drug and Illicit Trafficking was graced with Government Officials, the Acting Commander Abia State National Drug Law Enforcement Agency DCN. Chigbu Odoemelam Chilee, the first Lady of Abia State ably represented by Dr. Azuka Oko, DSS personals, other Security Agent Personas, Traditional Rulers, Civil Servants, Teachers, Students from different Schools, and People from all walks of life.
