By Mustapha Saye, From Kaduna
The Kaduna State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 12,724.652 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and psychotropic substances and arrested 1,107 suspects for various drug-related offences between June 2025 and June 2026.
The State Commander, CN Maijama’a Muhammad, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing to mark the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Kaduna.
Addressing journalists on the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” Muhammad described drug abuse as a major driver of criminality, violence, family breakdown, mental health disorders, school dropouts, youth restiveness and insecurity.
He said the drugs recovered during the period comprised 9,091.974kg of Cannabis Sativa, 301.852kg of Tramadol, 3,345.558kg of psychotropic substances, 2.949kg of Methamphetamine, 0.315kg of Cocaine and 0.004kg of Heroin.
According to the Commander, 1,075 of the 1,107 suspects arrested were men, while 32 were women.
He added that the Command prosecuted 284 suspects and secured the conviction of 245 offenders, describing the outcome as evidence of the agency’s resolve to ensure justice and deter drug trafficking.
On rehabilitation and treatment, Muhammad said 94 clients were admitted into rehabilitation programmes, with 78 successfully completing treatment.
He added that 1,458 people benefited from brief intervention and counselling services under the Command’s drug demand reduction initiatives.
He also revealed that the Command dismantled 662 drug joints across Kaduna State through intelligence-led operations and community collaboration, noting that the effort had significantly disrupted local drug distribution networks.
Muhammad commended the Kaduna State Government, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders for their sustained support in the campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
He urged parents, schools, community leaders, religious institutions, the media and young people to work together to prevent drug abuse, stressing that tackling the menace requires collective responsibility.
The NDLEA Commander reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting communities through prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and strategic partnerships aimed at building a safer and drug-free society.
