NDLEA Delta Ports Command Makes Giant Strides Against Drug Abuse, Illicit Trafficking
By Ezekiel Kagbala
The Delta Ports Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken significant steps in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, marking a pivotal moment in the agency's ongoing efforts to combat the drug crisis in Nigeria.
The Commander in charge of Delta Ports Command, Ann Okoebon CN, disclosed this while addressing stakeholders during the 2025 United Nations Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking themed "The Evidence Is Clear: Invest In Prevention".
Welcome address by Comdr. Ann Nnenna Okoebor, CN Commander NDLEA DELTA PORTS COMMAND,
The event also featured a series of workshops and discussions aimed at educating the public on the dangers of drug abuse and the impact of illicit trafficking on society.
In attendance were representatives of various companies and parastatals, including Intercontinental Distillers, Julius Berger, Matrix, AMS, Port Health, Crown Flour, Life Flour, Nepal Energies, Chevron, Customs, NIMASA, NAFDAC, NGOs, Treno, schools, students, among others.
The NDLEA Commander emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to effectively tackle the challenges posed by organized crime and the drug trade.
She also highlighted the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the root causes of drug abuse and trafficking.
"We must invest in prevention and advocacy", he stated, urging community leaders, non-governmental organizations, and private sector stakeholders to join forces with the NDLEA in creating awareness and providing support for those affected by substance abuse.
While commending the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa, for his support for the Command, Okoebon listed some of the achievements recorded in the recent past.
She said, "Delta Ports Command of the Agency, since attaining full Command status in November 2021, has been working with our stakeholders to ensure that Delta Ports and its environs, and the riverine communities and waterways, are impacted by prevention and deterrent strategies.
"Our mandate seeks to ensure that our ports are not used as entry or exit points for illicit drugs and other controlled substances.
"The Command has carried out boarding and rummaging of one hundred and sixteen (116) import and export vessels. A total of 85 import and export containers were also examined.
"We are happy to state that so far, the Delta Ports Complex has a clean bill of health in
terms of illicit drug trafficking. We have also carried out drug sensitization lectures at seven (7) locations with a total of 235 people reached. During the course of our sensitization efforts, the Command collaborated with the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom to combat the scourge of drug abuse within seven communities in his kingdom.
"Over 9,000 participants were reached in the process. We urge other traditional rulers to borrow a leaf in this regard. We cannot overemphasize the need for people and organizations to have the knowledge of the ill effects of drugs at their disposal".
Also speaking at the occasion, the Port Manager, Delta Ports Warri, Mr. Sa'adu Dahiru Mohammed said, this year's edition of the United Nations Day against Drug Abuse and illicit trafficking has the objective of raising awareness about the global fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
. Mr. Sa'adu Dahiru Mohammed
The Port Manager Delta Ports, Briefing the Audience
Today, there are countless stories of regrettable but avoidable ends to promising lives whose losses are irreparable, with a colossal impact on society that is negatively and continuously misleading the coming generations due to the inaction or indifferent attitude of society and its people.
"However, this year's theme, offers us a window for redemption for the price of doing nothing is the price paid by losing everything"
"I want to especially thank the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, ably led by its National Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.) CON, OFR, and in particular the Commander, Delta Ports Command Mrs. Anne Nnenna Okoebor (Commander of Narcotics) who has been courageously led on support by her indefatigable team
In Delta Ports".
