By Samuel Ogude
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Warri Area Command, in collaboration with the Citizens Rights Concern Enhancement Initiative, popularly known as the Human Rights Protection Congress (HRPC), has warned residents, in Warri in Delta State and Nigeria at large particularly youths, against taking illicit drugs and drug trafficking , stressing that offenders will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The warning was issued on Friday during a sensitisation campaign held to commemorate the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking, with the theme: “The World Drug Problems: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
The awareness rally commenced from the NDLEA Area Command Headquarters in Warri and proceeded through major streets, including Atie-Arubi Street, Bazunu, Igbudu Market, Ometan, Lower Erejuwa, Hausa Quarters, McDermott Junction and Deco Junction. Participants displayed placards bearing messages such as: “Say No to Drug Abuse,” “Stop Drug Abuse,” “Stop Colos, You Fit Kolo,” and “Plant Cassava, Not Igbo. Igbo Nor Be Cassava,” among others, urging members of the public to reject drug abuse and trafficking.
Speaking with journalists during the campaign, the Warri Area Commander of the NDLEA, Dabara Ishaku, called on Nigerians, especially young people, to stay away from illicit drugs, noting that drug abuse has devastating health, social and legal consequences. According to him, anyone found in possession of or involved in the trafficking of illicit drugs would be arrested and prosecuted. His words: “Drug abuse does not only affect memory, it also shortens lives. For students, it can destroy their educational careers and future prospects,”
Also speaking, the National Public Relations Officer of the Human Rights Protection Congress, Comrade Harrison Itulua, and the organisation’s Secretary, Comrade Kelvin Ejumudo. Theyurged the NDLEA to intensify efforts in tracking down drug barons across the country.
The duo maintained that anyone caught engaging in drug trafficking or its abuse should be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others, adding that, the era of suspects allegedly bribing their way out of prosecution should come to an end. They also appealed to those involved in the illicit drug trade to abandon the business, while advocating the rehabilitation and reintegration of convicted offenders into society after serving their jail terms.
Itulua and Ejumudo further advised youths and teenagers to shun drug abuse, crime and other forms of criminality in order to safeguard their future. Other organisations that participated in the anti-drug awareness campaign included the Friends Against Drug Abuse Foundation (FADAF), Community Anti-Drug Abuse Advocacy Initiative (CADAAI), the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Human Rights, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), secondary school students and other stakeholders.
The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to sustained public enlightenment and collaborative efforts aimed at reducing drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Delta State and across Nigeria.