Concern Grows Over Current State of Anti-Narcotics Unit as Calls for Former Commander's Return Intensify
By Melissa Oroni
OWERRI, IMO STATE — Some concerned residents of Imo State and police personnel serving in other units have called for the return of former Anti-Narcotics Commander, SP Mohammed Ali, to the Imo State Police Command, specifically to the Anti-Narcotics Unit.
The appeal was made during an interaction with an ImoEdge Newspaper reporter, during which the individuals expressed concerns about the current state of the unit, which they believe is no longer operating at the level they remember during SP Mohammed Ali's tenure.
According to those who spoke with the reporter, his return could help strengthen the unit's operations and renew efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking, drug abuse, and other drug-related offences across the state.
POLICE PERSONNEL JOIN CALL FOR HIS RETURN
In what adds another dimension to the appeal, some police personnel serving in other units of the command also expressed a desire to see SP Mohammed Ali return to the Anti-Narcotics Unit.
During the interaction with the ImoEdge reporter, the individuals indicated that the call for his return was not limited to members of the public, as some serving officers were also said to favour his redeployment to the specialised assignment.
The concerns expressed during the interaction have drawn attention to the importance of leadership experience, inter-unit cooperation, intelligence gathering, and operational effectiveness in the fight against illicit drugs.
CONCERNS OVER THE UNIT'S CURRENT PERFORMANCE
The Anti-Narcotics Unit plays an important role in efforts to tackle illegal drug trafficking and related offences, including activities that expose young people and vulnerable communities to the dangers of substance abuse.
Those calling for SP Mohammed Ali's return maintained that the unit requires renewed attention and a stronger operational focus.
They expressed the view that experienced leadership, professional conduct, intelligence-led policing, and effective collaboration among security personnel are essential to achieving better results.
Some of the individuals who spoke with the reporter said the unit's present state contrasts with what they recall from the period when Mohammed Ali was in charge.
However, an independent assessment of the unit's current performance would require verified operational records and comments from the appropriate police authorities.
A CALL FOR POLICE AUTHORITIES TO CONSIDER THE APPEAL
The concerned residents are appealing to the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Imo State to consider their request for SP Mohammed Ali's return to the Anti-Narcotics Unit.
They argued that the priority should be the effectiveness of the unit and its capacity to contribute meaningfully to the fight against illicit drugs in the state.
They also stressed the need for sustained efforts to prevent illegal substances from reaching young people and to ensure that drug-related offences receive appropriate investigative attention.
THE WAY FORWARD
While the decision on personnel deployment rests with the appropriate police authorities, the appeal highlights the importance of listening to public concerns and evaluating the performance of specialised units.
For those who spoke with the ImoEdge reporter, the central issue is the desire to see an Anti-Narcotics Unit that is proactive, professional, and effective in carrying out its responsibilities.
They expressed hope that the police authorities would give their concerns due consideration in the broader interest of public safety and the fight against illicit drugs in Imo State.
As the appeal gains attention, the expectation among those advocating SP Mohammed Ali's return is that the relevant authorities will carefully examine their concerns and take appropriate steps to strengthen anti-narcotics operations in the state.
