Move State Command to Umuahia, NDLEA Tells Otti

The Assistant Controller General of Narcotics, Zone 12, Owerri, covering Imo, Abia, and Anambra States under the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs. Florence Ezeonye, has appealed to Governor Alex Otti to relocate the Abia State NDLEA Command headquarters from Aba to Umuahia, the state capital.

Ezeonye explained that moving the headquarters would bring the agency closer to the seat of power, enhancing coordination and strengthening operational efficiency.

She made the appeal when she led some zonal officers and the Abia State Commander of NDLEA on a visit to the Governor.

The Assistant Controller General conveyed the appreciation of NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), for the residential accommodation and operational vehicles donated by the state government, as well as the rehabilitation of the NDLEA centre in Umuahia. She commended the Governor’s infrastructure strides and assured that the agency would not relent in its duties.

ALSO READ : Ben Murray-Bruce Shares Pre-Presidency Chat with Tinubu

In his response, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse, stressing that drug consumption often fuels criminal activities among youths.

“If you notice, you find that a lot of the young people go into crime, then come back to consume drugs to fuel it,” Otti said.

The Governor emphasized that strict laws, rather than rehabilitation alone, remain the most effective approach to curbing drug-related crimes. He explained that involuntary crimes account for about 20% of offenses in society, while voluntary crimes make up 80%, often as a last resort for survival.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL

Otti concluded by assuring the delegation that his administration would consider the NDLEA’s request to relocate its state command headquarters to Umuahia.