NDLEA Nabs 1,018 Suspects, Seizes 2.4 Tonnes of Illicit Drugs in Katsina

The Katsina State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested 1,018 suspected drug offenders and confiscated more than 2.4 tonnes of illegal drugs across the state in 2025.

The state commander, Mr Samaila Danmalam, disclosed this on Tuesday during the command’s end-of-year press briefing held in Katsina. He said the achievements were recorded through sustained intelligence-driven operations, including raids and patrols carried out in different parts of the state to disrupt drug trafficking networks and curb substance abuse.

According to Danmalam, those arrested included 992 males and 26 females. He added that a total of 2,473.755 kilogrammes of illicit substances were seized during the period. The drugs recovered comprised 1,667.747 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, 793.66 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances, and 12.348 kilogrammes of codeine syrup.

He noted that the consistent enforcement operations significantly weakened the activities of drug traffickers operating within Katsina State.

On prosecution, the NDLEA commander said 86 suspects were taken to court during the year, while 87 convictions were secured. He attributed the successful prosecutions to improved coordination between investigators and prosecutors, as well as effective cooperation with the judiciary.

Danmalam also highlighted the agency’s efforts in reducing drug demand through its War Against Drug Abuse campaign. He said the initiative reached 75,135 people through 203 sensitisation programmes conducted in 2025. In addition, the command’s drug demand reduction unit provided counselling services to 451 drug users, while 58 individuals were admitted for rehabilitation, describing the approach as critical to addressing drug abuse among youths and other vulnerable groups.

Despite the successes, Danmalam said the command continued to face operational challenges, including a shortage of operational vehicles, poor office infrastructure—especially drainage facilities—and inadequate accommodation for officers. He appealed to government authorities, stakeholders and well-meaning individuals to assist in addressing the gaps.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the reappointment of retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa as NDLEA chairman, describing his leadership as impactful. He also praised Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, for supporting the command through vehicle refurbishment and sponsorship of rehabilitation programmes.

The NDLEA boss further acknowledged the cooperation of traditional rulers, including the Emir of Katsina and the Emir of Daura, as well as security agencies such as the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade.

Danmalam assured residents that the agency would continue its fight against drug trafficking and abuse in the state, stressing that community support and timely information sharing were essential to sustaining progress.

He said tackling drug-related crimes required collective effort, adding that protecting communities remained a shared responsibility.