The Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Area in Delta State, Possible Ajede, has declared that the council is constitutionally barred from establishing an independent security outfit to combat drug abuse. His assertion follows the tragic death of a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officer who reportedly drowned while chasing a suspected drug offender into a river in Obiaruku, within the same local government area. The incident has sparked widespread concern on social media regarding youth substance abuse and the actions of security operatives in the community.
Ajede clarified in an interview with Vanguard that the local government's role is to support existing security agencies, not to create its own enforcement bodies. He explained that Ukwuani LGA has been actively providing intelligence, logistical support, and community-based advocacy to assist the NDLEA and other security bodies in tackling drug abuse and related criminal activities.
When questioned about whether the officer's death exposed a security enforcement failure by the council, Ajede firmly stated that the primary responsibility for enforcing drug laws rests with the NDLEA. "The NDLEA’s primary duty is to try to eradicate or contain those who are abusing substances and drugs within the domain where they are operating," he said. He reiterated the council's commitment to lending support to these agencies operating within their jurisdiction.
To coordinate efforts, the Ukwuani Local Government Council has established joint security committees. These committees include representatives from the police, NDLEA, and other security agencies, alongside community leaders. They work together to develop strategies for combating drug abuse and associated crimes across the area. Furthermore, advocacy groups have been formed to educate residents, especially young people, about the severe dangers of substance abuse.
The council has also partnered with rehabilitation centres located outside the local government area to assist individuals struggling with drug addiction. Ajede mentioned that efforts are underway to establish a rehabilitation facility within Ukwuani itself. Additionally, community vigilante groups and anti-cultism groups have been strengthened and supported, operating in close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.
"The local government does not have the constitutional mandate to set up a security outfit. So, we have engineered our vigilante and positioned them to work day and night to support the NDLEA, the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Army in fighting crime and drug abuse in the local government," Ajede explained.
Regarding reports of indiscriminate arrests of youths in Obiaruku following the NDLEA officer's death, Ajede confirmed that the council intervened to secure the release of several individuals. He stated that the NDLEA acted on intelligence to apprehend a principal suspect connected to the incident, but several other people were arrested during the raid. The council immediately contacted the NDLEA commander, and the Area Commander and the Deputy Commissioner of Police for Operations also intervened to resolve the situation.
"When they went for the raid, they arrested almost everybody they saw in that particular location. When we immediately learnt of it, we were able to intervene. We spoke to the commander, and with the intervention of the Area Commander and the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, they acted based on the information we gave them," Ajede said.
He confirmed that all those arrested, except for the main suspect, have since been released. Ajede dismissed claims of widespread harassment, asserting that security agencies have been instructed to adhere to due process. "The area is calm. Nobody is coming to the local government to arrest anybody. We have consistently held our security committee meetings and put the security personnel in check to ensure they follow due process in the discharge of their duties," he added.
Ajede urged the youths in the area to steer clear of drug abuse, warning about its dire long-term consequences on health and well-being. He pledged that the council would continue its advocacy and collaboration with security agencies to prevent drug abuse and its associated social problems in Ukwuani.