The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kebbi State has announced the arrest of 121 suspected drug traffickers and the seizure of 270.253 kilograms of illicit substances from January to June 2025.
The agency’s Commander in Kebbi, Rabi’u Abdullahi-Sokoto, revealed this during the grand finale of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi.
“Our achievements so far this year include the arrest of 121 suspects—116 males and five females—and the seizure of 214.737kg of Cannabis Sativa and 55.516kg of psychotropic substances, bringing the total to 270.253kg,” he stated.
Abdullahi-Sokoto also revealed that the agency secured convictions for 24 drug offenders and rehabilitated 27 individuals within the same period.
Describing the drug menace as a global challenge, he stressed the urgent need for sustained action.
“We cannot afford to be complacent and watch this hydra-headed monster ravage our families, communities, and society at large.
“There is a clear link between drug abuse and crime, as many criminal acts are committed under the influence of drugs or in pursuit of them,” he said.
While speaking on this year’s theme, “Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention,” the commander said it aligns with the ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign being implemented in schools and communities across the state.
“This popular saying, ‘prevention is better than cure,’ is not only apt but also cost-effective. We must continue to promote non-use as a strategy, which is far cheaper than treatment and rehabilitation,” he said.
He added that the command had taken sensitisation campaigns to virtually every part of the state, targeting schools, faith-based groups, workplaces, and community organisations.
“This campaign aims to educate and empower our youths to resist the pressure to indulge in substance abuse, which is increasingly prevalent in our society today,” he noted.
The commander also commended the wife of the state governor, Zainab-Nasare Idris, for the renovation of the female rehabilitation centre, and thanked Governor Nasir Idris for his consistent support to the NDLEA.
He called on all stakeholders—including political leaders, religious and traditional institutions, parents, the media, and other law enforcement agencies—to collaborate in the ongoing efforts to reduce drug abuse in Kebbi State to the barest minimum.