Abuja: NDLEA has successfully seized 2.5 tonnes of illicit drugs and secured 79 convictions in Bauchi, as announced by Mr. Hassan Yaqub, the State Commander of Narcotics, during an event commemorating the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The agency also apprehended 270 suspects and destroyed a marijuana plantation within the reviewed period.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Yaqub reported that the seized drugs, weighing over two tonnes, included substances such as cannabis sativa, methamphetamine, rohypnol, crack cocaine, tramadol, and codeine syrup. The agency dismantled a cannabis plantation and arrested a suspect at a farm in Bogoro Local Government Area.
The commander highlighted that NDLEA had filed 105 new cases in court, secured 79 convictions, and had 74 cases pending trial, with 12 suspects detained. Additionally, the agency treated and discharged 67 individuals with drug dependence, while 12 others were receiving ongoing treatment at its rehabilitation center.
Yaqub emphasized the efforts of the care, treatment, and rehabilitation unit in reshaping the lives of individuals with drug dependence, aiming to reintegrate them into society as responsible members. On the front of public enlightenment, Yaqub stated that over 300 community outreaches were conducted, reaching 1.5 million people to educate them on the dangers of drug abuse under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.
The sensitization campaigns, carried out between November 2025 and June 2026, took place at places of worship, motor parks, and schools. Yaqub mentioned the agency’s collaboration with the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, APCN, the NYSC Drug Free Club, and other organizations to address the drug menace in the state.
He urged tertiary institutions and schools to establish drug-free clubs to bolster campaigns against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Yaqub also commended the Bauchi State Government, community and religious leaders, and other organizations for their support, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.