The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of 121 suspected drug traffickers and the seizure of over 270 kilograms of illicit substances in Kebbi State between January and June 2025.
The State Commander of the agency, Rabi’u Abdullahi-Sokoto, made the disclosure 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 214.737 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa and 55.516 kilograms of psychotropic substances, bringing the total to 270.253 kilograms,” he stated.
Abdullahi-Sokoto further revealed that the agency secured convictions for 24 drug offenders and successfully rehabilitated 27 individuals within the period under review.
Describing drug abuse as a global menace, he called for urgent and sustained action. “We cannot afford to be complacent and watch this hydra-headed monster ravage our families, communities, and society at large,” he warned. “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.”
Speaking on the theme for this year’s commemoration, “Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention,” the commander said the message aligns with the ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign being actively implemented across schools and communities in Kebbi State.
“The 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 added.
According to him, the command has extended sensitisation efforts to nearly every part of the state, including 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.
He also commended the wife of the state governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Idris, for renovating the female rehabilitation centre, and expressed appreciation to Governor Nasir Idris for his consistent support to the agency.
The commander concluded by urging all stakeholders—political leaders, religious and traditional institutions, parents, the media, and sister law enforcement agencies—to strengthen collaboration and support the agency’s efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking across Kebbi State.
