By:Abdullahi Inuwa
The Katsina State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has rolled out a striking scorecard for 2025, announcing massive arrests, record drug seizures, and expanded anti-drug advocacy as it intensified its battle against drug abuse and illicit trafficking across the state.
Speaking at the Command’s 2025 End-of-Year Press Conference, the State Commander, CN Samaila Danmalam, described the year under review as one marked by “strategic enforcement, community engagement, and firm resolve to protect Katsina from the destructive grip of narcotics.”
According to the Commander, the briefing was part of NDLEA’s routine transparency drive to keep the public informed on efforts to safeguard social stability, economic growth, and public health.
Under the dual strategy of supply reduction and demand reduction—popularly referred to as kinetic and non-kinetic approaches—the Katsina Command recorded sweeping operational successes in 2025.
Intelligence-led raids and patrols led to the arrest of 1,018 suspects, comprising 992 males and 26 females, accused of various drug-related offences. The operations also dismantled several illicit drug networks operating across the state.
In terms of seizures, NDLEA operatives recovered a staggering 2,473.755 kilograms of illicit substances. This included 1,667.747kg of cannabis, 12.348kg of codeine, and 793.66kg of psychotropic substances, marking one of the most significant hauls in recent years.
Beyond arrests, the Command intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, an initiative championed nationwide by NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd).
In Katsina alone, the Command carried out 203 sensitisation programmes, reaching 75,135 beneficiaries in schools, communities, markets, and religious centres. Additionally, 451 clients were counselled, while 58 individuals were admitted for rehabilitation, reinforcing NDLEA’s focus on treatment and recovery, not just enforcement.
The agency also recorded notable legal successes. Within the year, 86 cases were arraigned, leading to 87 convictions, underscoring what the Commander described as “the growing effectiveness of intelligence gathering, investigation, and prosecution.”
Despite the gains, CN Danmalam acknowledged lingering challenges, particularly the shortage of operational vehicles, office infrastructure issues such as drainage systems, and inadequate accommodation for officers across the state. He appealed to government, stakeholders, and philanthropists to support the Command in bridging these gaps.
The State Commander paid glowing tribute to NDLEA’s leadership, applauding Brig. Gen. Marwa for what he called “a transformation that has earned the Agency global recognition,” including his recent reappointment approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also commended the Katsina State Government, led by Malam Dikko Umaru Radda (PhD), for refurbishing operational vehicles and sponsoring rehabilitation programmes.
Traditional rulers, including the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman (CON), and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Dr. Umar Faruk Umar (CON), were also praised for their guidance and cooperation.
Special recognition went to sister security agencies, notably the Nigerian Army 17 Brigade Katsina, for partnering NDLEA in key operations, as well as the media and other institutional collaborators.
In his concluding remarks, CN Danmalam reassured residents that NDLEA remains unwavering in its mission. “The fight against drug abuse and trafficking requires collective effort,” he said, urging citizens to embrace information sharing, advocacy, and community policing.
As 2026 approaches, NDLEA Katsina says it is doubling down on enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation—sending a clear message that the state will not be a safe haven for drug dealers.
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