The NDLEA Rivers Command records 39 arrests and 12 convictions in four months, sparking calls for mandatory drug tests in schools and the NYSC scheme.
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PORT HARCOURT (Obgist) – The Rivers State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended 39 suspected drug traffickers and secured 12 convictions within the last four months.
State Commander Bature Dawa disclosed these figures during a consultative visit to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo Wokoma, in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The crackdown, spanning December 2025 to March 2026, resulted in the seizure of 14.83 kilograms of diverse illicit substances.
A Systematic Crackdown
The agency is not merely making arrests; it is pursuing justice. Out of the 39 suspects in custody, 36 are male and three are female. Beyond the 12 successful convictions recorded last month, the Command has already filed 16 fresh cases in court.
"Our Drug Demand Reduction and Drug Supply Control Units have stepped up operations," Dawa stated. The goal is clear: disrupt the supply chain and bring offenders to book. The Command is now looking toward preventive measures.
Calls for Integrity Tests
The NDLEA boss is advocating for a shift in policy. He proposed the introduction of mandatory drug integrity tests for students and participants in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. This move aims to discourage substance abuse among the youth before it takes root.
Furthermore, the Commander issued a stern warning to operators in the hospitality sector. Hotel owners and managers must ensure their facilities do not become safe havens for drug-related activities. Parental vigilance also remains a critical line of defence.
State Government Backing
The Rivers State Government has welcomed these developments. Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Dr Wokoma commended the synergy between federal agencies and the state administration. The Governor views this collaboration as essential to his vision of peace and prosperity.
"Our administration remains committed to social order," Wokoma noted. He urged residents to remain law-abiding, stressing that respect for the rule of law is the bedrock of sustainable development.
The SSG particularly cautioned young people against the lures of crime and reckless living.
Inter-Agency Synergy
In a separate engagement on the same day, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Inyang Umoh, also paid a courtesy visit to the SSG.
The discussion underscored a broader effort to strengthen security and public safety across the state. The FRSC chief expressed appreciation for the Governor’s continuous logistics and moral support for the Corps.
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