World Drug Day: PCRC Urges Collective Action As Rivers NDLEA Records 61 Convictions In Six Months

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PORT HARCOURT — The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Rivers State Command, has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, educational establishments, communities, families, and civil society groups to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

The appeal came as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Rivers State Police Command, announced that it secured 61 convictions for drug-related offences in the first half of 2026.

The call was made on Friday during activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day).

As part of the commemoration, the PCRC joined the NDLEA, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Rivers State University, the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other stakeholders in an awareness road walk through major streets of Port Harcourt.

The procession began at Ikoku Junction and ended at the main campus of Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, with officers of the Nkpolu Police Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Henry Ogbuefi, providing security throughout the exercise.

The event later transitioned into a symposium at the university, where stakeholders underscored the importance of sustained public awareness, prevention, and enforcement in addressing drug abuse.

Delivering his remarks, Chairman of the PCRC, Rivers State Command, Dr. Voke Emore, described substance abuse as a major catalyst for crime and insecurity, stressing that a united front remains the most effective strategy for combating the problem.

According to him, the theme of this year’s observance, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” reflects the urgent need for coordinated and innovative solutions to the evolving drug challenge.

“The importance of this event cannot be overemphasized, considering the relationship between drug abuse and crime across the world. On behalf of the Police Community Relations Committee, Rivers State Command, we are delighted to extend our goodwill and solidarity to the NDLEA and all stakeholders gathered here today to commemorate the 2026 United Nations World Drug Day.

“The fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking requires collective action from governments, agencies, communities, families, schools, religious bodies, and concerned citizens.”

Emore stated that the PCRC has maintained a longstanding partnership with the NDLEA in promoting drug abuse prevention through awareness campaigns, particularly among students of tertiary institutions in Rivers State.

He noted that the committee has successfully organised several War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaigns across higher institutions, including Rivers State University and the University of Port Harcourt.

“Our focus on students in higher institutions is informed by the fact that the majority of drug users are youths. 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.

“We commend the NDLEA for its unwavering commitment to drug demand reduction, enforcement, advocacy, and rehabilitation. Together, we can build safer communities, healthier families, and a brighter future for Rivers State and Nigeria.”

In his address, the Rivers State Commander of the NDLEA, Offor Kenneth Onyeso, called on governments, international organisations, civil society groups, and communities to strengthen preventive strategies through policies, public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programmes, and sustained efforts to discourage drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Presenting the command’s operational scorecard for the first half of 2026, Onyeso disclosed that between January and June, the command arrested 242 suspects, comprising 193 males and 49 females.

He further revealed that the command seized 146.181 kilograms of various illicit drugs during the period.

According to him, the command counselled 69 clients, all brought to its treatment centre by their parents or guardians, while also providing rehabilitation services.

“The command secured the conviction of 61 offenders, while 82 cases are currently pending before the Federal High Court.

“In addition, we carried out 72 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation and advocacy programmes across the three senatorial districts of Rivers State.”

The NDLEA commander commended the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Health for providing infrastructure and logistics that have enhanced the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.

Also speaking, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, said the state government has adopted innovative approaches to addressing substance abuse.

He disclosed that the government recently established two new rehabilitation centres—one at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Rumuigbo, and another donated to the NDLEA, Rivers State Command—to complement existing treatment facilities.

He also highlighted the establishment of a Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) Centre at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Rumuigbo, which provides evidence-based treatment aimed at normalising brain chemistry, reducing withdrawal symptoms, preventing cravings, and minimising relapse and overdose.

Other interventions by the state government, according to him, include Drug Abuse Drop-in Centres at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Drug Abuse Access Centres, Student-Focused Access Centres, and Specialised Access Centres.

Dr. Wachukwu added that over 100 healthcare workers have been trained in drug prevention, treatment, and care, while 46 health personnel received specialised training on the operation of drop-in and access centres with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

“Rivers State is charting a new course—one that prioritises health, dignity, and hope. Let us continue to work together to build a society where every individual struggling with drug use disorder can find help, healing, and a future free from stigma,” he said.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, disclosed that the institution is collaborating with the NDLEA to curb drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking on campus.

He stated that the university is the first institution in the South-South geopolitical zone to implement the Federal Government’s recently launched Students’ Drug Integrity Test Policy.

The highpoint of the event was the decoration of Professor Zeb-Obipi as a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Ambassador by the Assistant Commander-General of the NDLEA, Esther Musa, who oversees Zone 14.

While decorating the Vice-Chancellor, Musa explained that the Chairman of the NDLEA had directed that all strategic partners of the agency be recognised for their contributions to the fight against drug abuse.

The event attracted a wide range of participants, including a traditional ruler from Omuma Local Government Area, who served as the Royal Father of the Day. Students, pupils, academics, members of the PCRC, security agencies, and other stakeholders were also in attendance.