- Major Drug Bust: NDLEA arrests 129 suspects in Kogi State.
- Massive Seizure: Over 280kg of illicit drugs confiscated.
- Types of Drugs: Cannabis, Cocaine, Tramadol, and Opioids among the seized substances.
- Prosecution Success: 35 convictions secured in the first half of 2025.
- Community Engagement: NDLEA actively involved in drug abuse prevention campaigns.
NDLEA Cracks Down on Drug Traffickers in Kogi
The Kogi State Command of the NDLEA is seriously tackling drug-related crimes! They recently nabbed 129 suspects and seized a whopping 282.3 kilograms of various illicit drugs. This happened during a major operation across the state.
What Was Seized?
According to the Kogi State Commander of the NDLEA, Umar Mustapha Yahuza, the seized substances included:
- Cannabis sativa (aka Weed)
- Cocaine
- Tramadol (a strong painkiller often abused)
- Opioids
- Other nasty psychotropic drugs
Yahuza emphasized the importance of this operation, stating, “These drugs were meant to be sold to our teeming youths in Kogi State and transported to other parts of the country. One can only imagine the level of destruction that would have followed if they had found their way into circulation.”
Legal Wins: NDLEA Secures Convictions
It’s not just about making arrests. The NDLEA is also winning in court! They’ve secured 35 convictions in drug-related cases between January and June 2025. Other cases are still ongoing at the Federal High Court in Lokoja.
More Than Just Arrests: Prevention is Key
The NDLEA isn’t just about catching the bad guys. They’re also working hard to prevent drug abuse through their Drug Demand Reduction Unit. They’re running campaigns in:
- Motor parks
- Schools
- Mosques
- Churches
- Corporate organisations
Rehabilitation Efforts
The NDLEA is also helping those already struggling with addiction. They provided counseling to 106 drug-dependent individuals and comprehensive rehabilitation to 40 others, who were later reintegrated into society.
Call to Action: Government Support Needed
Commander Yahuza is calling on the Kogi State Government to make good on its promise to build a multipurpose skill acquisition and drug rehabilitation center. This would significantly boost the agency’s efforts.
The NDLEA is urging everyone – communities, families, and the government – to work together to protect the youth from the dangers of drug abuse.
The Bigger Picture: Drug Abuse in Nigeria
Drug abuse is a massive problem in Nigeria. According to a UN report, the country has a high rate of drug use, especially among young people. This affects not only individuals but also families and communities.
Why is this happening?
Several factors contribute to drug abuse in Nigeria:
- Poverty and lack of opportunities
- Peer pressure
- Easy access to drugs
- Lack of awareness about the dangers of drug abuse
What can be done?
To combat drug abuse effectively, a multi-pronged approach is needed:
- Strengthening law enforcement
- Raising awareness through education
- Providing rehabilitation and support for addicts
- Creating economic opportunities for young people
The NDLEA’s efforts in Kogi State are commendable, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. With continued collaboration and commitment, Nigeria can win the fight against drug abuse.
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