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NDLEA Arrests 129, Seizes Over 280kg Of Illicit Drugs In Kogi
In a major clampdown on drug abuse and trafficking, the Kogi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 129 suspects and seized a total of 282.3 kilogrammes of illicit drugs across the state.
The disclosure was made by the Kogi State Commander of the NDLEA, Umar Mustapha Yahuza, during a press conference held in Lokoja to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
According to Yahuza, the seized substances include Cannabis sativa, Cocaine, Tramadol, Opioids, and various other psychotropic drugs.
“These drugs were meant to be sold to our teeming youths in Kogi State and transported to other parts of the country,” he said. “One can only imagine the level of destruction that would have followed if they had found their way into circulation.”
Beyond arrests and seizures, the command has also recorded significant success in the prosecution of drug-related cases. Yahuza revealed that the agency secured 35 convictions between January and June 2025, while other cases remain in various stages of trial at the Federal High Court in Lokoja.
The NDLEA’s efforts have not been limited to enforcement. Through its Drug Demand Reduction Unit, the agency has been actively engaged in drug abuse prevention campaigns across motor parks, schools, mosques, churches, and corporate organisations in Kogi State.
The commander further disclosed that 106 drug-dependent individuals, apprehended during raids, received brief counselling interventions. Additionally, 40 individuals referred by their families underwent comprehensive counselling and rehabilitation and have since been reintegrated into society.
While commending the agency’s strides, Yahuza also appealed to the Kogi State Government to fulfill its promise of constructing a multipurpose skill acquisition and drug rehabilitation centre.
As the NDLEA intensifies its war against drug abuse, the command has urged continued collaboration from communities, families, and the government in safeguarding the state’s youth from the devastating effects of illicit substances.
