The Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, Possible Ajede, has said the council lacks the constitutional authority to establish an independent security outfit to enforce drug laws.
Ajede said the council’s responsibility was to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), police, and other security agencies through intelligence sharing, logistics, community advocacy, and joint security structures.
He spoke after an NDLEA officer reportedly drowned in the River Ethiope at Obiaruku while pursuing a suspected drug offender who allegedly jumped into the river to escape arrest. Another officer was reportedly rescued and taken to hospital.
Ajede said the council had established joint security committees involving the police, NDLEA, other security agencies, and community representatives to coordinate efforts against drug abuse and crime.
He added that the council had strengthened vigilante groups and anti-cultism initiatives while also running campaigns to educate residents, particularly youths, on the dangers of substance abuse.
According to him, the council also works with rehabilitation centers outside Ukwuani and is exploring the establishment of a rehabilitation facility within the local government area.
On reports of mass arrests in Obiaruku following the officer’s death, Ajede said the council intervened after NDLEA operatives arrested several people during an operation targeting a suspect allegedly linked to the incident.
He said the council contacted the NDLEA commander, with the police Area Commander and Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations also intervening.
Ajede said those arrested had been released, except the principal suspect, who remained in custody.
He denied reports of continuing indiscriminate arrests in the area, saying the council had urged security agencies to follow due process.
The chairman urged youths to avoid drug abuse and said the council would continue working with security agencies and community groups to tackle substance abuse and related crimes in Ukwuani.
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