25 June, 2025
Kogi,
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kogi State has arrested 129 individuals over alleged involvement in drug abuse and trafficking, as part of its renewed effort to tackle the rising menace of illicit substances in the state.
The State Commander of the NDLEA, Umar Mustapha Yahuza, disclosed this during a press briefing in Lokoja, held in commemoration of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
According to Yahuza, a total of 282.314 kilograms of hard drugs were seized during the period under review. The confiscated substances include cannabis sativa, cocaine, tramadol, opioids and other psychotropic drugs.
“These drugs were intended for distribution among our teeming youths in Kogi State, while others were being moved to different parts of the country. One can only imagine the level of destruction these substances could have caused if they had circulated freely,” he said.
The commander also revealed that from January to date, the agency has secured 35 convictions, with other cases currently at various stages of prosecution at the Federal High Court in Lokoja.
Beyond arrests and seizures, the agency is also focusing on prevention and rehabilitation. Yahuza noted that the Drug Demand Reduction Unit of the command has intensified public awareness campaigns across motor parks, schools, religious centres, and corporate organisations.
He added that 106 drug-dependent individuals apprehended during raids received brief counselling, while another 40 persons referred by their families underwent full rehabilitation and have since been reintegrated into society.
Yahuza urged the Kogi State Government to honour its pledge to construct a multi-purpose skill acquisition and drug rehabilitation centre, stressing that such a facility would help rehabilitated individuals reintegrate as productive members of the community.
“There’s a need for sustainable support to ensure that those who have undergone rehabilitation do not return to drug abuse but are empowered to live meaningful lives,” he said.
