The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Delta State Chapter, Comrade Sagboje Odiri Milton, has renewed his push for stiffer anti-drug laws, including the possibility of capital punishment for major drug traffickers who prey on young people.
Sagboje made the remarks on Friday in Warri during the launch of “Warri Beyond Drugs,” an anti-drug awareness campaign initiated by the NYCN Warri South Chapter to combat the escalating substance-abuse crisis among youths in the area.
According to him, the drug situation in Delta State has reached a critical point, with communities witnessing a surge in synthetic substances such as ice, loud, and rohypnol—substances he said have become easily accessible due to the expanding network of peddlers allegedly backed by criminal groups.
“Drug abuse has gone beyond a social problem; it is now a full-blown security threat,” he warned. “These dealers are systematically destroying our youths. Current penalties are too weak. Nigeria must begin to consider the strongest possible punishment, including capital punishment, for hardened drug traffickers.”
The youth leader urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to intensify intelligence-led raids across Warri, Effurun, Udu and neighbouring areas, stressing that drug syndicates have become more coordinated and emboldened. He insisted that dealers should no longer return to the streets shortly after arrest.
He further appealed for stronger synergy among the NDLEA, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and local security formations to ensure swift operations, better intelligence sharing and sustained pressure on drug cartels.
Sagboje praised the Warri South NYCN Chapter, led by Comrade Destiny Noritsegho, for taking initiative with the “Warri Beyond Drugs” campaign, describing it as a bold and timely intervention aimed at safeguarding young people.
He also commended the Executive Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Comr. Agbateyiniro Weyinmi Isaac, for his continued support for youth-driven programmes, noting that his partnership has been instrumental in strengthening the council’s efforts.
Present at the event were the Deputy State Chairman of NYCN, Comr. Okotie Omatseye Benjamin; NYCN Gender Officer for Delta South, Comr. Azeware Kelly Ozogula; and several chapter leaders including Comr. Davis Eugene (Udu), Comr. Emmanuel Amarutowa (Okpe) and Comr. Mc BigNath (Uvwie), alongside security officials, civil-society groups, religious leaders and community stakeholders.
