The Abia State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized approximately 1.94 million kilograms of illicit drugs and arrested 222 suspects over the past year.
Acting Commander of the NDLEA in Abia, Mr. Chigbu Odoemelam Chilee, disclosed this during a media briefing in Aba as part of activities marking the 2025 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, slated for June 26.
Chilee said the command has ramped up efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse in the state, noting that methamphetamine—locally known as mkpurummiri—remains the most commonly abused substance. Other drugs seized include cannabis sativa, heroin, cocaine, diazepam, and codeine.
“For the past one year, we have seized one million and ninety-four kilograms of illicit drugs. We also arrested two hundred and twenty-two suspects,” he stated.
He explained that the agency’s anti-drug efforts operate in two phases—supply reduction and demand reduction—adding that the statistics reflect the scale of the drug challenge in Abia State.
Chilee also noted that Aba currently hosts the state’s only NDLEA rehabilitation centre, but Governor Alex Otti has provided a vehicle and initiated plans for a second facility in Umuahia, which is expected to be completed soon.
He identified Aba and Umuahia as the major flashpoints for illicit drug activity in the state, but emphasized that NDLEA operations extend to all 17 local government areas through its area commands.
On the rehabilitation efforts, he said: “We have one of the best facilities in terms of the number of clients and the records available,” although he acknowledged that more males than females access rehabilitation services, citing cultural and social stigmas as possible barriers for women.
In line with this year’s UN theme, “The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention,” Chilee called on community members, religious institutions, and traditional leaders to join hands with the agency.
A week-long sensitisation programme leading up to the global observance has featured public rallies, religious outreach, a novelty football match, and a media briefing. The event will culminate in a gathering at the Police Officers’ Mess in Umuahia.
NDLEA’s Public Relations Officer, Ikechukwu Akunne, reiterated the agency’s commitment to proactive drug prevention strategies, stressing the need for community support in tackling drug abuse and trafficking across Abia.
