Folayemi Gabriel named Ondo’s new NDLEA commander, declares war on drugs

By Boye Oyeyemi

The newly appointed National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Commander for Ondo State Command, Mr Folayemi Adeyemo Gabriel, has pledged to intensify the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse through intelligence-driven operations and improved surveillance.

Adeyemo, a commander of narcotics, assumed office on July 24, promising to consolidate the achievements of previous commandants while deploying new strategies to tackle emerging trends in illicit drug activities across the state.

Speaking shortly after taking over the command, the new NDLEA boss said his nearly three decades of experience in the agency had equipped him with the knowledge required to strengthen enforcement and protect residents from the dangers of illegal drugs.

He disclosed that he joined the anti-narcotics agency in 1997 after completing a six-month basic training programme in Jos, adding that he had since served in several operational commands, including Makurdi, Lokoja, Abeokuta, Ogbomosho, Ibadan, Niger, Anambra, Apapa, Kebbi, Ekiti and the Akure Zonal Command.

Adeyemo noted that his career had been marked by major drug seizures and successful operations in different parts of the country, achievements he said earned him commendations and accelerated promotions within the agency.

“I will build on the existing structure and, after settling down, identify areas that require improvement. Drug traffickers continue to devise new methods to evade law enforcement, so we must also improve our strategies,” he said.

The commander said the agency would strengthen intelligence gathering by expanding its use of technology to monitor and disrupt criminal networks operating through digital platforms, adding that NDLEA officers were being trained in cyber surveillance and digital intelligence to keep pace with evolving tactics.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustained enforcement, public awareness campaigns and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, stressing that the agency would remain resolute in protecting communities across Ondo State from the menace of illicit drugs.