The Anambra State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Charles Onubuogu, has urged traditional rulers across 189 communities in the state to join hands in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Onubuogu said the agency remained committed to achieving concrete results through its ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
He explained that his team recently paid an advocacy visit to the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, led by its Chairman, Igwe Chidubem Iweka III of Obosi, to seek their partnership as custodians of culture and moral authority.
“The traditional institution plays a pivotal role at the grassroots and cannot be sidelined in a matter as serious as drug abuse, which drives crime and insecurity. Their voices and influence are indispensable in mobilising communities for urgent social action,” he said.
Onubuogu disclosed that the monarchs pledged to mobilise their subjects, issue directives against drug abuse, and collaborate with NDLEA in creating drug-free communities.
He assured the royal fathers of confidentiality in handling intelligence shared by communities, stressing that no NDLEA officer found undermining the fight would be shielded from disciplinary measures.
The commander further said NDLEA would create safe communication channels with traditional rulers to boost intelligence sharing, while reinforcing the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“We will continue to strengthen collaboration with royal fathers as vital stakeholders in our collective effort to achieve a safer, drug-free Anambra,” he added.