The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kaduna State Command, has arrested 1,107 suspected drug offenders, seized over 12.7 tonnes of illicit drugs, and dismantled 662 drug joints across the state within one year.
The State Commander, CN Maijama’a Muhammad, disclosed this on Thursday in Kaduna during a press briefing to commemorate the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
He said the command seized a total of 12,724.652 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and psychotropic substances between June 2025 and June 2026.
The seizures comprised:
- 9,091.974 kg of cannabis sativa
- 3,345.558 kg of psychotropic substances
- 301.852 kg of tramadol
- 2.949 kg of methamphetamine
- 0.315 kg of cocaine
- 0.004 kg of heroin
According to him, the seizures dealt a significant blow to drug trafficking networks operating within and outside Kaduna State.
The commander said 1,107 suspects, comprising 1,075 males and 32 females, were arrested through intelligence-led operations, surveillance, and coordinated raids across the state.
He added that 284 suspects were prosecuted, while 245 offenders were convicted by various courts, describing the convictions as a demonstration of the agency’s determination to ensure drug traffickers face the full weight of the law.
Muhammad said the command also strengthened efforts to reduce drug demand through counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation.
He disclosed that 94 persons were admitted for treatment, including 88 males and six females, while 78 clients successfully completed rehabilitation programmes.
In addition, 1,458 persons received brief intervention services aimed at preventing substance dependence and promoting recovery.
The NDLEA boss said the command’s anti-drug sensitisation campaigns reached thousands of students, youths, workers, community leaders, and faith-based organisations across Kaduna State.
He attributed the successes recorded by the command to intelligence-led operations, community support, and collaboration with other security agencies.
Muhammad warned that drug abuse remains a major driver of insecurity, violent crimes, family breakdown, school dropout, mental health disorders, and youth restiveness.
He noted that emerging threats such as synthetic drugs, the misuse of prescription medicines, and online drug markets require innovative and collaborative responses.
He commended the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani for supporting security agencies and acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and sister security agencies to the fight against drug abuse.
The commander urged parents, schools, religious institutions, community leaders, and the media to intensify efforts at preventing drug abuse, stressing that government alone cannot win the war against illicit drugs.
“As the world marks the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we must strengthen prevention, rehabilitation, law enforcement, and community partnership to build a safer and drug-free society,” he said.
