Traditional leaders in Asaba, Delta State, have issued a stern warning to local elites implicated in drug-related crimes, threatening to revoke their cultural titles as part of a broader crackdown against narcotics in the region. The announcement came during a meeting between the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge—a prominent traditional ruler and senior legal scholar—and Halilu Hamidu, the Delta State Commander of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Azinge revealed that community-led efforts over recent months had already led to measurable declines in drug trafficking and abuse in Asaba, with residents mobilizing independently to root out peddlers, distributors, and users. “The town is markedly quieter now regarding drug activity, thanks to these collective efforts,” he stated. To reinforce this progress, the monarch declared that any titled individual found guilty of involvement in the drug trade would face irreversible consequences, including loss of honorific status. “Evidence-based cases will result in stripped titles, and offenders may need to reapply for recognition if deemed eligible,” he emphasized.
The traditional leader also raised operational challenges hampering law enforcement, notably the absence of an NDLEA office in Asaba. He noted that the agency’s current headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, roughly 30 kilometers away, delayed responses to drug-related incidents. However, Azinge disclosed that Oshimili South Local Government Chairman Dr. Obi Ezenyili had pledged to provide office space to establish an NDLEA presence in Asaba, a move aimed at improving intervention efficiency.
Concerns over alleged collusion between drug networks and security personnel further punctuated the discussion. While not specifying agencies, Azinge urged the NDLEA to prioritize integrity, stating that compromised officials risked undermining anti-drug initiatives. Hamidu, in turn, acknowledged logistical hurdles but praised the community’s proactive stance. “Collaboration between residents, traditional institutions, and law enforcement is critical to sustaining this progress,” he said, appealing for support to address resource gaps.
The commander highlighted Delta State’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s fight against narcotics, citing its geographic position as a transit hub. He called for expanded partnerships to disrupt supply chains and rehabilitate users, framing the issue as both a security priority and a public health challenge.
The meeting underscored a growing trend of grassroots anti-drug movements in Nigeria, with traditional authorities increasingly leveraging cultural influence to complement law enforcement. Asaba’s crackdown reflects wider regional efforts to combat drug-related crime, which has been linked to rising youth unemployment and organized violence. Observers note that integrating community accountability with institutional reforms could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar epidemics.
