current matters
The Kebbi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 166 suspected drug offenders and seized over 287 kilograms of illicit drugs between January and June 2026 as part of its intensified campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.
The State Commander of the NDLEA, Rabiu Abdullahi Sokoto, disclosed this during a press briefing to mark the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, commemorated annually on June 26.
He said the command arrested 149 male and 17 female suspects within the period under review. According to him, the agency also confiscated 275.901 kilograms of cannabis and 11.450 kilograms of psychotropic substances, bringing the total quantity of drugs seized to 287.351 kilograms.
Rabiu noted that the command had also intensified efforts in drug demand reduction through rehabilitation and public enlightenment, revealing that 40 persons had undergone rehabilitation, while 62 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities were carried out across schools, communities, workplaces, and religious centres.
The Commander further disclosed that 14 offenders were successfully prosecuted and convicted during the period, receiving various jail terms.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” Rabiu said it underscores the need for a prevention-oriented approach to reducing illicit drug use through education, awareness, and community engagement.
He stressed that drug abuse remains a major global challenge with serious consequences, including brain and liver damage, hypertension, mental health disorders, family disintegration, school dropout, unemployment, and criminal activities such as rape, armed robbery, and thuggery.
According to him, there is a strong link between drug abuse and crime, noting that many criminal activities are committed under the influence of illicit substances or to finance drug addiction.
The NDLEA Commander said the agency is partnering with the Office of the First Lady of Kebbi State, Hajiya Zainab Idris, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Alive for Tomorrow Initiative, and the Coalition of Kebbi State NGOs to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
He expressed appreciation to the First Lady for her continued support and commitment to combating drug abuse in the state, urging residents to join hands with the agency in eliminating the menace.
Rabiu emphasised that although Kebbi is not immune to the growing threat of illicit drugs, collective efforts by government, communities, and stakeholders would help rid the state and the country of drug abuse and trafficking.
Meanwhile,the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Port Harcourt Ports Command, Onne, has intercepted illicit drugs with a street value of N5 billion in the last year at the port.
NDLEA Commander at the port, Omerio Odo, disclosed this during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day.
According to him,the amount is for a total of seven container shipments containing over 3.5 million tablets of opioids and 1.2 million bottles of codeine, with a combined weight of 206 tonnes.
The NDLEA commander said the seizures were achieved within the last year through intelligence gathering, increased vigilance, and collaboration with sister security agencies and critical stakeholders within the maritime sector.
Odo described the seized consignments as “the weight of misery and destruction” that would have been unleashed on individuals, families, and communities for the financial benefit of a few drug merchants.
He explained that the Onne Port remains a strategic route for global trade, but warned that criminal elements were constantly attempting to exploit maritime channels to move illicit drug consignments.
Odo added that the command would continue its “relentless and ruthless” operations against drug traffickers to ensure that illegal substances do not penetrate the country through the seaports.
While expressing concerns that drug trafficking networks have continued to adopt new methods, including the use of technology, social media platforms, and recreational centres to target users and expand their illegal trade,he revealed that the command had intensified preventive campaigns under the War Against Drug Abuse and (WADA) initiative, reaching 13 organisations, including schools, worship centres, workplaces, markets, and communities, within the last year.
The NDLEA commander commended the support of stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Department of State Services, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Ports Authority, terminal operators, and other law enforcement agencies, for their role in the fight against drug abuse and urged port operators including freight forwarders, clearing agents to remain vigilant, verify cargoes, and report suspicious shipments.
