NDLEA seizes N2.8bn illicit drugs in Jigawa.

The Jigawa State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the seizure of 1,944.389 kilograms of illicit drugs with an estimated street value of N2.8 billion during the 2025 operational year, alongside the successful conviction of 136 drug traffickers and peddlers.

The disclosure was made during a press briefing held at the Command’s headquarters in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, where the NDLEA reviewed its activities, achievements, and challenges for the year 2025.

Speaking at the briefing, the State Commander, Hassan Kabaju, described the feat as a significant milestone in the agency’s sustained efforts to curb drug trafficking and abuse across the state, particularly at a time when countries worldwide are intensifying actions against the growing drug menace.

According to Kabaju, the drugs seized during the year included 441.973 kilograms of cannabis sativa, 1,373.886 kilograms of psychotropic substances, and 128.520 kilograms of other controlled and abused substances. He noted that the estimated value of the confiscated drugs was calculated based on prevailing market prices.

The commander revealed that during the period under review, the command arrested a total of 577 suspects, comprising 558 males and 19 females, for various drug-related offences. Out of this number, 136 suspects were successfully prosecuted and convicted, reflecting the command’s commitment to strengthening prosecution and ensuring offenders face the full weight of the law.

“Our officers worked tirelessly with dedication and determination to restrict the supply, distribution, and consumption of hard drugs and other psychoactive substances within Jigawa State,” Kabaju said. “These efforts have contributed significantly to the results we recorded in 2025.”

Beyond enforcement and prosecution, the NDLEA Jigawa Command also placed strong emphasis on drug demand reduction and rehabilitation, recognising that combating drug abuse requires a balanced approach that includes prevention, counselling, and treatment.

Kabaju disclosed that 552 drug users were counselled during the year, while 59 male drug-dependent individuals were formally referred for treatment and rehabilitation at the Command’s Drug Demand Reduction Unit. He explained that the goal of the unit is to help affected individuals reintegrate into society and reduce the cycle of addiction and crime.

In addition, the Command intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaign, reaching thousands of residents across the state. According to the commander, NDLEA officers delivered 39,383 drug prevention lectures and advocacy sessions in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, as well as in communities, markets, and other public spaces.

“These awareness programmes are critical in preventing young people from falling into drug abuse,” Kabaju said. “Education and advocacy remain powerful tools in the fight against drugs.”

Despite the successes recorded, the commander acknowledged that the Jigawa NDLEA Command continues to face several operational challenges. Among the most pressing are the shortage of operational vehicles, inadequate administrative equipment, and limited specialised machinery required for effective field operations.

He noted that these constraints sometimes affect response time and coverage, especially in remote areas of the state.

Nevertheless, Kabaju reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain and even expand its operations across all 27 local government areas of Jigawa State, stressing that no part of the state would be left vulnerable to drug traffickers and abusers.

“The NDLEA will continue to intensify its efforts to combat drug trafficking and drug abuse in Jigawa State,” he said. “Our mission is to protect lives, preserve communities, and safeguard the future of our youths.”

The commander commended officers and men of the Jigawa State Command for their professionalism, courage, and commitment, describing their contributions as instrumental to the successes recorded.

“I deeply appreciate the hard work and sacrifices of our personnel,” he said. “I am confident that the Jigawa State Command will continue to make the agency proud.”

Kabaju also expressed gratitude to members of the public for their cooperation and support, urging residents to sustain collaboration with the agency by providing timely information and reporting suspicious activities.

“Drug abuse is a collective challenge,” he said. “With the continued support of the public, we can significantly reduce its impact and build a safer and healthier Jigawa State.”