From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Yobe State Command, has recorded significant achievements in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, arresting 151 suspects and seizing 328.421 kilograms of illicit drugs between July 2025 and June 26, 2026.
The State Commander, Mustapha Olayinka Tajudeen (MNIM), disclosed this during a press briefing in Damaturu to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (UN Drug Day), observed annually on June 26.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” the Commander said it underscores the need for sustained collaboration and innovative strategies to tackle drug abuse and trafficking.
He said the command intensified raids across Yobe State, dismantled several drug joints, disrupted illicit drug trafficking activities, and conducted preventive drug education campaigns in primary and secondary schools to raise awareness among students about the dangers of substance abuse.
According to him, 151 suspects were arrested during the period under review, comprising 144 males and seven females.
The command also seized 280.642 kilograms of cannabis sativa and 47.779 kilograms of psychotropic substances, bringing the total quantity of drugs recovered to 328.421 kilograms.
On prosecution, the commander said 27 offenders were convicted, while 35 cases were charged before the courts.
He added that 88 cases are currently pending in various courts.
In the area of rehabilitation, the NDLEA provided counselling services to 116 drug-dependent clients, while nine clients successfully completed rehabilitation at the command’s mini rehabilitation facility.
Mustapha also highlighted achievements recorded since assuming office as Yobe State Commander on November 25, 2025.
He said that within seven months, the command arrested 96 suspects, seized 209.162 kilograms of illicit drugs, secured 11 convictions, provided counselling to 67 clients, and successfully rehabilitated nine persons.
He further revealed that assets belonging to a convicted drug trafficker, Idris Yusuf—including two houses, two motorcycles, and a Honda Accord car—were forfeited to the Federal Government following an order of the Federal High Court.
The convict was sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment.
He added that other convicted offenders received prison sentences ranging from two to six years.
The commander appealed to the Yobe State Government to establish a standard drug rehabilitation and treatment centre to strengthen the treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of people affected by substance abuse.
He commended Governor Mai Mala Buni, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations, and the people of Yobe State for their continued support in the fight against drug abuse.
As he prepares to retire from the NDLEA on July 15, 2026, Mustapha expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Yobe State and urged all stakeholders to sustain efforts toward building a safer, healthier, and drug-free society.