NDLEA apprehends 107 suspects, recovers 589kg of illicit substances in Adamawa

The Adamawa State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has made a major breakthrough in its fight against drug abuse and trafficking, seizing a total of 589.536 kilograms of assorted hard drugs within a two-month period and arresting 107 suspects in connection with the crimes. The disclosure was made by the state commander, Aliyu Abubakar, while addressing journalists at the agency’s headquarters in Yola, where he explained that the latest achievement demonstrates the agency’s determination to build public trust, maintain transparency, and strengthen accountability in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against illicit drugs.

Abubakar explained that since assuming office two months ago, his leadership has been characterized by intense operational activities, high-level engagements, and remarkable breakthroughs. According to him, these efforts are fully aligned with the vision of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd), who has consistently driven a three-pronged approach of supply reduction, demand reduction, and advocacy in tackling Nigeria’s drug problems. The commander said his officers have carried out numerous raids and surveillance activities, leading to the interception of substances that would otherwise have been pushed into the local market, endangering lives and fuelling criminal activities.

The command disclosed that the seized drugs included cannabis sativa, Tramadol, Exol-5, Pentozacine injections, methamphetamine, codeine tablets, promethazine injections, and Rohypnol, all of which combined to weigh nearly 600 kilograms. He emphasized that allowing such dangerous substances to circulate freely would have worsened the drug abuse crisis facing the state and the country at large. According to him, the quantities seized are not only proof of the scale of trafficking in Adamawa but also an indication of the seriousness with which the NDLEA is disrupting supply networks that operate across the region.

Abubakar revealed that the command has also moved against the infrastructure supporting the illicit trade. Six properties located in Mubi and Yola, believed to have been acquired or used in connection with drug trafficking, are already under interim forfeiture proceedings. Several vehicles that were allegedly deployed in transporting and distributing the narcotics have equally been impounded, with investigations ongoing to establish the full extent of their involvement in the illegal trade. He stressed that drug trafficking is not just about individuals but also about networks, logistics, and financing, and the agency is determined to dismantle every layer that sustains the business.

On the human side of enforcement, Abubakar announced that 107 suspects were arrested within the two months of operations. The arrests included both men and women, and he made it clear that the command would ensure that each of them faces the law without compromise. Fifteen offenders have already been convicted within this period, while about 50 cases remain pending before the Federal High Court in Yola. According to him, the NDLEA’s legal department is committed to diligent prosecution, and every case will be pursued to a logical conclusion. He also noted that convictions serve as a deterrent to others still considering drug trafficking as a viable source of income.

The commander did not only speak about arrests and seizures but also used the opportunity to appeal to residents, religious leaders, and community heads across Adamawa to work with the NDLEA to reduce the demand for drugs. He said that while enforcement is important, advocacy and sensitization remain critical in reducing the number of young people falling victim to drug addiction. He emphasized that drug abuse has become one of the greatest public health and security challenges facing Nigeria, as it destroys lives, breaks families, and fuels other crimes ranging from robbery to terrorism. He added that rehabilitation and counseling programs, alongside community sensitization, are being intensified to give people a chance to recover and reintegrate into society.

Abubakar praised the efforts of Brigadier General Marwa, who has transformed the NDLEA into one of Nigeria’s most active and respected security agencies since taking over leadership in 2021. He explained that the current results in Adamawa reflect the nationwide strategy of strengthening enforcement, breaking supply chains, rehabilitating addicts, and engaging communities in advocacy. Across Nigeria, thousands of arrests and major seizures have been recorded, and Adamawa’s achievement in just two months adds to the growing evidence that the drug war is being pursued with unprecedented seriousness.

He warned drug traffickers and dealers operating in Adamawa to immediately abandon the trade, stressing that the NDLEA will continue to track them down and ensure that they face the full consequences of the law. According to him, the message is clear: those who repent and turn away from drugs will be supported to reintegrate into society, but those who persist in the trade will be dealt with decisively. He added that his command is fully motivated to make Adamawa one of the safest states in Nigeria when it comes to drug control.

The scale of the recent seizures and arrests also points to the broader implications for security and stability in Adamawa. The state, which shares borders with Cameroon, has often been identified as a vulnerable transit route for smugglers and traffickers moving drugs across international lines. By tightening enforcement in the region, the NDLEA is not only safeguarding local communities but also disrupting networks that may extend far beyond Nigeria’s borders. The commander reiterated that with sustained collaboration among security agencies, the judiciary, community leaders, and families, the drug menace can be significantly reduced.

In conclusion, the NDLEA’s Adamawa Command has sent a strong message through its seizure of nearly 600 kilograms of illicit substances and the arrest of more than a hundred suspects in just two months. While challenges remain, the operation demonstrates that determined leadership, backed by strategic planning and community support, can yield tangible results in the fight against drugs. For Abubakar and his team, the achievement is both a milestone and a motivation to do more, while for the people of Adamawa, it provides reassurance that efforts are underway to secure a safer and healthier future for their communities.