NDLEA Seizes 1.94 Million Kilogrammes of Illicit Drugs in Abia: 222 Arrested as Drug Abuse Crisis Deepens
The Abia State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced a major breakthrough in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the state. Over the course of one year, the agency successfully seized approximately 1.94 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs and arrested 222 individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
This startling revelation was made public by the Acting Commander of NDLEA in Abia, Mr. Chigbu Odoemelam Chilee, during a press briefing in Aba. The media session was part of a week-long campaign to mark the 2025 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, commemorated annually on June 26th.
Methamphetamine (Mkpurummiri) and Other Hard Drugs Plague Abia State
According to Commander Chilee, the drug crisis in Abia State is far more severe than many people realize. He explained that the types of drugs seized include cannabis sativa, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine (locally known as mkpurummiri), diazepam, and codeine.
“For the past one year, we have seized one million and ninety-four kilograms of illicit drugs. These drugs include cannabis, sativa, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, diazepam, codeine, etc. The most prevalent here is methamphetamine which is known as mkpurummiri, in our local parlance,” Commander Chilee said.
Mkpurummiri, a crystal form of methamphetamine, has become one of the most abused and dangerous drugs in Nigeria, especially in South-East states like Abia. It is notorious for its highly addictive nature and devastating mental effects, often leading to violent behavior, mental breakdown, and even death in extreme cases.
222 Suspects Arrested: The Human Face of a Growing Crisis
In addition to the massive quantity of drugs seized, the NDLEA also arrested 222 suspects linked to various drug offenses in Abia State within a year.
“We also arrested two hundred and twenty-two suspects in one year here. We fight anti-drug war in two phases; one is supply reduction, and the other is demand reduction. In supply reduction, I have given you the statistics on seizure,” Chilee explained.
The arrests cut across a wide range of individuals, including traffickers, dealers, transporters, and users. This highlights the widespread nature of the drug problem, touching every layer of society — from young people in schools to adults on the streets.
Combating Drug Abuse Through Supply and Demand Reduction
The fight against drugs is multi-dimensional, and the NDLEA has adopted a dual strategy — supply reduction and demand reduction.
Supply reduction focuses on law enforcement operations — arrests, seizures, and cracking down on drug syndicates. Demand reduction, on the other hand, deals with public awareness, education, and rehabilitation.
“In demand reduction, we are talking about sensitization and rehabilitation. In rehabilitation, Abia Command of the NDLEA has one of the best facilities considering the number of clients and the records available,” the commander noted.
Rehabilitation Efforts in Abia: One Center in Aba, Another Coming in Umuahia
The acting commander revealed that Aba currently hosts the only rehabilitation center operated by the NDLEA in the entire state. However, he praised the efforts of the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti, who has made provisions for another rehab center in Umuahia — a welcome development that is expected to be ready soon.
“However, Governor Alex Otti has made provision for another centre in Umuahia, which may be ready in a few months,” Chilee announced.
This move is seen as a crucial step in addressing the root causes of drug addiction, providing victims with a chance to receive professional help and reintegrate into society.
Aba and Umuahia Identified as Drug Hotspots
Chilee did not mince words in identifying the epicenters of the drug crisis. According to him, Aba and Umuahia are the major flashpoints for illicit drug activity in Abia.
“The problem of illicit drugs in Abia cannot be overemphasized. The number of arrests, seizures, and people coming for rehabilitation shows that Abia State faces a huge challenge in drug abuse and trafficking,” he stressed.
Aba, being a bustling commercial hub with heavy human and vehicular traffic, makes it easier for traffickers to operate under the radar. Similarly, Umuahia’s status as the state capital and its growing urbanization have made it a target zone for drug pushers.
NDLEA’s Expanding Reach: No Part of Abia Left Behind
To ensure that no part of Abia State is left out in the war against drug abuse, Commander Chilee disclosed that the NDLEA has area commands that cover all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, including rural communities.
“NDLEA Abia has area commands that equally cover the rural areas and the 17 council areas of the state, as the agency is leaving no stone unturned in combating the use and sale of illicit drugs,” he stated.
This wide reach ensures that even small villages and remote parts of the state are not neglected, as drug issues are no longer confined to urban centers alone.
Why This Matters: The Urgent Need for Collective Action
The revelations from the NDLEA Abia Command paint a grim picture of the deepening drug crisis in Nigeria. With close to 2 million kilogrammes of drugs seized in just one year, and over 200 individuals arrested, it's clear that the issue is not only widespread but also growing.
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The state and federal governments must intensify efforts to tackle this problem through public education, community involvement, and support for rehabilitation programs. Likewise, parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community heads must become active players in the war against drugs.
As June 26 approaches — the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking — Nigerians must reflect on how drug abuse is ruining lives, destroying families, and threatening the future of many youths.
The NDLEA in Abia has set an example by showing what is possible when dedication, vigilance, and collaboration come into play. However, much more needs to be done to win the battle completely.
NaijaRush will continue to bring you the latest updates on drug-related arrests, rehabilitation initiatives, and government efforts to combat drug abuse in Nigeria. Stay informed, stay safe, and say NO to drugs.
