4,589.361 kg of illegal substances were confiscated and at least 1,290 people were apprehended in 2024, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kaduna State Command.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Tuesday, Mr. Samaila Danmalam, the Commander of the NDLEA Kaduna State Command, stated that the arrests and seizures took place between January and December 2024.
According to Danmalam, the Command used a kinetic strategy to combat drug usage and illegal trafficking. 1,290 people were arrested as a result of the many assignments and raid operations that were conducted, including drug traffickers, illegal drug users, and other people who assisted in drug-related offenses.
Operations and seizures
Furthermore, as a result of the operations, 4,589.361 kg of hard narcotics, including cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, tramadol, rohypnol, and other psychiatric substances, were seized.
During the period, he added, the command intercepted 2,023 rounds of 9mm and 7.62mm ammunition and two firearms: a locally made pistol and an English pistol.
Achievements in operations and finances
Additionally, 124 illegal drug shops that were used as gathering places for illegal activity were demolished by the command, and counterfeit N1,000 notes worth N4.8 million were found.
“Kinetics alone will not win the drug war,” Danmalam underlined.
In order to help drug users reintegrate as contributing members of society, the command stepped up its efforts in 2024 by holding awareness lectures, sensitization campaigns, counseling, and rehabilitation programs.
Convictions and charges
Additionally, according to Danmalam, 189 people were charged in court, 155 of whom were found guilty and given penalties ranging from two to fifteen years in prison.
For their assistance and cooperation, he thanked the Kaduna State Government, traditional leaders, community leaders, Civil Society Organizations, Community-Based Organizations, the media, and other security agencies.
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The public should keep sending timely and helpful information to help the command reach a drug-free state, Danmalam urged.
Further Perspectives
Six foreign nationals were arrested at Eleko Beach in Lekki, Lagos, and 1,960 kg of cannabis were reportedly intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Kosisochukwu Ozigbo (21) was also arrested by NDLEA agents in Edo State on December 23 after they conducted a raid on New Lagos Road in Benin City. Numerous narcotics, 936 bottles of codeine-based syrup, and 32,490 Tramadol pills were found on the suspect.
Alongside its attempts to combat drug barons, NDLEA stepped up public education and outreach about the risks of drug misuse and advanced its War Against Drug misuse (WADA) programs across the country.
