NDLEA Delta Command Records 200 Arrests in Drug Crackdown, Expands School Prevention Efforts
The Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made 200 arrests in its ongoing crackdown on drug-related offences between January and April 2026, underscoring growing concerns over substance abuse in the state. State Public Relations Officer John Kennedy confirmed the development, emphasizing the agency's unwavering commitment to tackling illicit drug activities and enforcing the law impartially, regardless of an individual's status.
Intensified War Against Drug Abuse Campaign Targets Schools
The command has significantly intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, with a specific focus on primary and secondary schools across Delta State's three senatorial districts. This initiative aims to curb drug use among young people through early prevention and awareness programs. As part of this effort, WADA clubs have been established in schools to encourage active student participation in anti-drug advocacy.
Kennedy highlighted that peer-to-peer engagement has proven highly effective in influencing behavioral change among youths. "The involvement of students in awareness campaigns is critical. When young people educate and influence one another, the message resonates more deeply," he stated. Additionally, the agency is extending sensitization efforts to families through collaborations with religious and traditional institutions, stressing that early upbringing plays a pivotal role in shaping behavior and preventing drug abuse.
Community Leaders Raise Alarms Over Rising Drug Abuse Among Students
Meanwhile, community leaders and stakeholders in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Council, have expressed serious concern over the increasing prevalence of drug abuse among school-aged children. They have called on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to revive the Delta Edumarshal initiative, a program originally designed to enforce discipline and ensure consistent school attendance.
The stakeholders reported that the situation has deteriorated in recent years, with students frequently leaving classrooms during school hours and roaming the streets in uniform, engaging in substance abuse and other risky activities. Anonymous sources described a troubling shift in attitudes among youths, noting that drug use is increasingly viewed as a form of social acceptance rather than a serious health and legal risk.
Identified Hotspots and Calls for Policy Revival
Several locations in Asaba have been identified as hotspots where students allegedly gather, beg for money, and participate in drug-related activities. These include:
- Ogbogonogo Market
- Ibusa Junction
- Market Square
- ShopRite Mall
- Summit Junction
- Mariam Babangida Road
Stakeholders recalled that the Edumarshal program, introduced under former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, successfully helped curb truancy, drug abuse, and juvenile delinquency by monitoring children's movements during school hours. However, the program was discontinued during the administration of Ifeanyi Okowa. A former Edumarshal officer, Ajuwa Victor, described the current situation as alarming and urged urgent intervention by government and security agencies.
Victor called for the revival of effective policies and strict enforcement against those enabling drug abuse among minors. He warned that failure to act could lead to weakened educational standards, increased youth-related crime, and worsening literacy levels across Delta State, highlighting the broader societal impacts of unchecked drug abuse.
