The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has appealed to Abia State Governor Alex Otti to relocate its command headquarters from Aba to Umuahia. Mrs. Florence Ezeonye, Assistant Controller General of the NDLEA’s Zone 12, which covers Imo, Abia, and Anambra States, made the request during a meeting with the Governor. She stated that moving the headquarters closer to the seat of power would enhance the agency’s operations.

The NDLEA has expressed gratitude for the support received from the Governor, including residential accommodations in Umuahia and vehicles donated for its operations. The agency’s Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, has also appreciated the contributions. Governor Otti has been commended for his efforts in infrastructure development and his administration’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse.

The Governor emphasized the need to address the root causes of drug-related crimes, noting that many young people engage in crime and substance abuse as a means to fuel their activities. He argued that strict laws, rather than rehabilitation, are necessary to control drug trafficking and related crimes. According to Otti, individuals who commit involuntary crimes account for 20% of societal crimes, while those involved in voluntary crimes make up the remaining 80% and often turn to crime as a last resort for survival.

The Governor has pledged to consider the NDLEA’s request to relocate its state command headquarters to Umuahia. The decision is expected to strengthen the agency’s presence in the region and enhance its efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse. The NDLEA’s operations in Abia State are part of a broader national effort to address the challenges posed by drug trafficking and substance abuse in Nigeria.