The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 242 suspected drug offenders and seized more than 146 kilogrammes of various illicit substances in Rivers State during the first half of 2026, the agency has disclosed.
Rivers State Commander Kenneth Onyeso revealed the figures on Friday in Port Harcourt during activities marking the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held at the Rivers State University campus.
The operation yielded 193 male and 49 female arrests between January and June, Mr Onyeso said, adding that 61 suspects had already been convicted while 82 cases remained pending before the Federal High Court.
“In line with our mandate to rid the state and country of drug abuse and trafficking, the Rivers State Command arrested a total of 242 suspects comprising 193 males and 49 females from January to June 2026,” the commander stated.
The command seized 146.181kg of drug exhibits during the period, counselled 69 offenders, and treated and rehabilitated 23 clients referred by parents or guardians, Mr Onyeso confirmed.
‘Greatest Threat to Public Health’
Describing substance abuse as “one of the greatest threats to public health, family stability, and national development,” the commander warned that the scourge continued to destroy lives, fuel crime, and weaken society, particularly among young people.
Mr Onyeso said the NDLEA was tackling the problem through two primary strategies: Drug Supply Reduction and Demand Reduction under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.
“This innovation has brought success by taking drug awareness and enlightenment campaigns to all nooks and crannies of the country,” he said.
The commander commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration for supporting the agency’s operations through the Ministry of Health and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Rivers State Police Community Relations Committee, Dr Voke Emore, said the UN-designated day was established to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, which he described as a major contributor to crime and insecurity.
“The fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking requires collective action from governments, agencies, communities, families, schools, religious bodies, and concerned citizens,” Dr Emore declared.
He noted that the PCRC’s partnership with the NDLEA had produced several WADA campaigns in tertiary institutions, including Rivers State University and the University of Port Harcourt, “because the majority of drug users are youths.”
“Our focus on students in higher institutions is informed by the fact that the majority of drug users are youths,” Dr Emore explained.
“They are more likely to experiment with new experiences and often lack effective coping mechanisms for stress. We therefore encourage our youths to shun drug abuse and become ambassadors of a drug-free society.”
State Government Expands Rehabilitation Capacity
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, said the state government had adopted innovative, health-based responses to substance abuse.
He disclosed the establishment of two new rehabilitation centres — one at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Rumuigbo and another donated to the NDLEA — alongside a Medication-Assisted Therapy Centre at Rumuigbo.
Other interventions include Drug Abuse Drop-in Centres at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and RSU Teaching Hospital, as well as Student-Focused and Specialised Access Centres.
“Over 100 healthcare workers have also been trained in drug prevention, treatment, and care, with 46 personnel receiving special care.
