Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says his administration is currently strengthening and expanding mental health services as well as access to prevention and treatment programmes in its four-tier health systems.

Mbah said this in a keynote address at the weekend during the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which was organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Enugu State Command.

The commemoration was themed: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Response”.

Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, the governor also revealed that special adolescent health units were also being established in health facilities as part of efforts to address drug abuse among young people.

He described drug abuse as both a public health and security challenge, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and society; adding that government was also focusing on promoting mental health well-being education.

Mbah emphasised the need for innovative, evidence-based, and collaborative strategies to address the growing drug abuse challenge.

The governor urged young people to reject drug abuse, while encouraging parents to play active roles in prevention.

According to him, the state government will continue to collaborate with the NDLEA and other stakeholders to build a safer, healthier, and drug-free Enugu State.

Mbah urged youths to take advantage of the numerous socioeconomic opportunities created by the state government.

He noted that opportunities had been opened up in agriculture, digital technology and mechanised farming to empower youths and discourage involvement in drug abuse.

“We cannot build a resilient and striving economy with youths who are not hardworking. It is with your brains and physical strength that our economy can grow.

“The consequences of drug abuse are enormous and we must ensure our youths remain productive and contribute meaningfully to economic development, through physical and mental well-being,” he said.

Earlier, the Commander of NDLEA in Enugu State, Mr Owoputi Adekunle, revealed that the agency seized 929.463 kilogrammes of various illicit substances and secured the conviction of 53 drug-related dealers in the state.

Adekunle said that various illicit drugs, which included: Cannabis Sativa and methamphetamine, popularly known as Crystal Meth or “Mkpuru Mmiri,” were seized between November 2025 and June 2026.

He said that within the period under review, the command also counselled 157 clients, while 23 others were currently undergoing rehabilitation.

“Our prosecution unit is not left out. A total of 53 suspects have been convicted, while 111 cases are currently pending before the Federal High Court.

“Apart from the convictions, assets acquired as proceeds of crime were forfeited to the Federal Government,” he said.

Delivering a keynote lecture, Dr Roland Okereke, a Senior Registrar at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, described substance abuse as a “chronic illness” that destroys lives and limited future opportunities.

Okereke stressed that prevention remained the most effective strategy, noting that many people with substance use disorders delayed seeking medical care due to stigma and poor access to treatment.

Speaking, Chairman of Ezeagu Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Emmanuel Anichebe, urged parents to build closer relationships with their children to enable them share their challenges and receive proper guidance before being influenced negatively by unscrupulous peers.

Highpoints of the event were the crowning of Gov. Mbah as a Drug Abuse Ambassador; drama presentations and debates among others.

The event attracted traditional rulers, representatives of security agencies, officials of the Ministry of Health, officials of Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), NYSC corps members and youth organizations in the state.

The Kogi State Government, on Saturday, announced a ban on night travels on all State roads after 7 p.m. as part of immediate security measures to further protect lives and property.

A statement by the State Information and Communications Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, said the measures were also aimed at cutting off logistics and supply routes to criminal elements currently under sustained military and security pressure in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

The statement made public in Lokoja reads, “Following a comprehensive review of ongoing security operations in Bunu District after the recent terrorist attack on Iluke community which was successfully repelled, intelligence and operational reports indicate that significant progress has been made by Joint Security Forces. Several of the attackers have been confirmed neutralised, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently trapped within forested areas across the district as security clearance operations continue.

” To consolidate these gains and deny the criminals access to food, water, medication, fuel and other essential supplies, the Kogi State Government has approved the immediate ban on the use of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, within designated hinterland corridors of Bunu District.

” The affected areas include the corridor stretching from Idoyi Bunu through Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu and Kiri, as well as the route from Iluke Bunu through Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu and Edumo Bunu. The restrictions shall also apply to the Ayede Bunu, Aherin, Eshi and Ighun Bunu corridor and all other routes within the Bunu hinterlands.

“Intelligence available to security agencies has revealed that motorcycle operators constitute a major channel through which food items, water, drugs and other logistics are transported to bandits hiding within the forests. Investigations have also established that some criminal elements utilise motorcycle transportation to conduct reconnaissance and gather intelligence on targeted communities before launching attacks.

“Consequently, any motorcycle rider found transporting passengers, goods or supplies along the designated routes shall be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law.

” The Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria (MOAN) is hereby directed to immediately sensitise all its members on this directive, which takes effect from today, Saturday, June 13, 2026.

” In addition, all markets located along the affected corridors shall remain closed until further notice. Mobile medicine vendors and distributors are also directed to suspend the transportation and sale of drugs on motorcycles within the affected areas for the duration of the operation.

The Ondo State Police Command has launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of a community leader, Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, the Baale of Ode Oriya Village in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident, noting that a full-scale manhunt had been activated to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and the arrest of those responsible.

Preliminary reports indicate that at about 8:05 p.m., a group of about six armed men stormed the residence of the 60-year-old community leader under the cover of darkness.

The attackers reportedly invaded the compound and forcefully whisked him away through a nearby bush path to an unknown destination.

During the attack, the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand. She was promptly rescued and taken to a medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.

The police statement reads in full:
“The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Oladipo Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, has launched a coordinated rescue operation following the abduction of a community leader by suspected kidnappers in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area of the State.

“Preliminary reports indicate that at about 8:05 p.m. on the reported date, a group of approximately six armed men stormed the residence of Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, aged 60, the Baale of Ode Oriya Village. The assailants reportedly invaded the premises under the cover of darkness and forcefully whisked the victim away through a nearby bush path to an unknown destination.

“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), B Division, Owo, immediately mobilized a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene. The area was swiftly secured and a preliminary assessment of the crime scene conducted as part of ongoing investigative efforts.

“In the course of the attack, the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand. She was promptly rescued and taken to a nearby medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively to medical care.

“A comprehensive search-and-rescue operation was immediately activated, with security operatives combing nearby forests, bush paths and suspected escape routes in a determined effort to track the movement of the kidnappers, secure the victim’s safe release and bring the perpetrators to justice. Tactical deployments have also been strengthened across the area and adjoining communities to enhance operational effectiveness.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed all tactical units, intelligence assets and operational teams of the Command to intensify efforts toward the swift rescue of the victim and the apprehension of those responsible for the criminal act. The Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that the victim is reunited safely with his family while all those involved face the full weight of the law.

“The Ondo State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that may aid ongoing operations. Any suspicious movements or activities should be promptly reported to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.

“The Command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and reiterates its determination to rid the State of criminal elements. Efforts are being intensified across all fronts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes, while ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Ondo State.