Kaduna NDLEA Seizes 12.7 Tonnes Of Drugs, Arrests 1,107 Suspects
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it seized more than 12.7 tonnes of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances and arrested 1,107 suspected drug traffickers and users in Kaduna State between June 2025 and June 2026.
The Kaduna State Commander of the NDLEA, CN Maijama’a Muhammad, disclosed this on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna, describing the achievements as evidence of the command’s sustained efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and protect communities from the dangers of substance abuse.
Muhammad said the 12,724.652 kilogrammes of seized drugs comprised 9,091.974kg of cannabis sativa, 3,345.558kg of psychotropic substances, 301.852kg of tramadol, 2.949kg of methamphetamine, 0.315kg of cocaine and 0.004kg of heroin.
He added that intelligence-led operations, surveillance and enforcement activities across the state led to the arrest of 1,107 suspects, including 1,075 males and 32 females, for various drug-related offences.
According to him, 297 suspects were prosecuted during the period, while the command secured 251 convictions through collaboration with the judiciary.
“The convictions underscore our determination to ensure offenders face justice and serve as a deterrent to illicit drug trafficking,” he said.
On drug demand reduction, Muhammad said the command admitted 94 drug users—88 males and six females—into treatment and rehabilitation programmes, while 78 clients were successfully rehabilitated.
He added that 1,458 individuals, comprising 1,413 males and 45 females, also received brief intervention services aimed at preventing substance abuse and encouraging recovery.
The commander said the agency’s anti-drug awareness campaigns reached thousands of students, youths, workers, community leaders and faith-based organisations across Kaduna State.
He further disclosed that operatives dismantled 662 drug joints during the review period through intelligence gathering, community support and sustained enforcement operations, significantly disrupting local drug distribution networks and improving public safety.
Muhammad noted that the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign continued to gain momentum through partnerships with schools, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups.
He stressed that prevention remained the most effective and sustainable approach to tackling drug abuse and its attendant social consequences.
The commander commended the Kaduna State Government and other stakeholders for supporting anti-drug initiatives and security efforts, while also acknowledging the contributions of traditional and religious institutions, rehabilitation centres, civil society organisations and sister security agencies.
He urged parents, schools, community leaders, the media and young people to sustain collective efforts in preventing drug abuse and supporting rehabilitation.
“The fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking is a collective responsibility. Government agencies alone cannot win this battle,” he said.
Muhammad reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting communities from drug abuse and illicit trafficking through prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, enforcement and strategic partnerships.
Credit: NAN
