Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Hon. Bright Abeke, has thrown his weight behind the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its intensified campaign to rid the council area of drug abuse and trafficking.
Abeke gave the assurance when he received the NDLEA Area Commander in Sapele, Assistant Commander of Narcotics (ACN) Umar Garba, in his office on Wednesday. The visit, according to the council boss, marked the beginning of a stronger alliance between the local government and the NDLEA in tackling the scourge of drugs in the area.
Speaking during the meeting, ACN Garba expressed deep concern over the growing prevalence of drug abuse in Sapele and its environs, describing the situation as “alarming and unacceptable.” He said his deployment to the area was strategic, given the high volume of reports of substance abuse and illicit drug peddling. “Our mission is clear — to bring the rate of drug abuse in this local government to the barest minimum. But this is a task that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders, especially the local authorities,” Garba stressed.
He further outlined the NDLEA’s role in curbing the spread of hard drugs, intercepting smuggling channels, and rehabilitating offenders. “We are committed to complementing your administration’s efforts by deploying intelligence, enforcement, and sensitization to win this war. But we cannot succeed without the political will and logistical support from your government,” the NDLEA boss added.
Responding, Hon. Abeke reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on drug-related crimes. He noted that drug abuse had become a driving force behind rising insecurity in the state, with many criminal acts perpetrated under the influence of narcotics. “The link between drugs and crime is undeniable. In tackling one, we are indirectly tackling the other. My administration is determined to create a drug-free society, and the NDLEA will have our full support in this regard,” he said.
The council boss also promised to work closely with the NDLEA to intensify public enlightenment, especially among youths. “We will not only support enforcement but also education and rehabilitation. We must give our young people alternatives and hope, so they do not fall victim to the lure of drugs,” Abeke stated.
He further assured that the council would assist the NDLEA in crippling smuggling routes and ensuring that drug cartels have no foothold in Sapele. “We are ready to mobilise community leaders, youth groups, and traditional institutions in this fight. Together, we can win,” he declared.
Those who accompanied the NDLEA commander on the visit included the O/C Operations, CSN Chuks Okanigbe; PRO, DSN Ebadan Joseph; DSO, ASN Kuroakegha Timothy; and Exhibit Officer, SNA Gyany Victor.
Also present at the meeting were the Secretary to the Council, Hon. Raymond Overah; Supervisor for Works, Hon. Rex Ogbakpa; Supervisor for Environment, Hon. Kingsley Sajere; Supervisor for Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Mereti; and Supervisor for Health, Hon. Ese Koko, all of whom pledged to align their respective departments with the anti-drug campaign.
