By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Yobe State Command, has intensified its war against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, arresting 151 suspects and seizing 328.421 kilograms of illicit drugs within one year.
The State Commander, Mustapha Olayinka Tajudeen (mnin), disclosed this in Damaturu during a press briefing to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (UN Drug Day), celebrated annually on June 26.
Speaking on the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” the Commander said the agency remained committed to adopting innovative strategies and strengthening collaboration with stakeholders to curb the menace of drug abuse and trafficking.
He said the command stepped up intelligence-led operations across Yobe State, dismantling several drug joints, disrupting illicit drug networks, and carrying out sustained awareness campaigns in primary and secondary schools to educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse.
According to him, the command arrested 151 suspects, comprising 144 males and seven females, between July 2025 and June 26, 2026. During the same period, operatives recovered 280.642 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa and 47.779 kilograms of psychotropic substances, bringing the total quantity of drugs seized to 328.421 kilograms.
On prosecution, Tajudeen revealed that 27 offenders were convicted, while 35 cases were filed before the courts. He added that 88 cases are currently awaiting trial in various courts across the state.
The Commander also highlighted the agency’s efforts in drug demand reduction, noting that 116 drug-dependent persons received counselling, while nine clients successfully completed rehabilitation at the command’s mini rehabilitation facility.
Giving an account of achievements recorded since his assumption of office on November 25, 2025, Tajudeen said the command had, within seven months, arrested 96 suspects, seized 209.162 kilograms of illicit drugs, secured 11 convictions, counselled 67 clients, and successfully rehabilitated nine persons.
He further disclosed that the Federal High Court ordered the forfeiture of assets belonging to convicted drug trafficker Idris Yusuf to the Federal Government. The assets include two houses, two motorcycles, and a Honda Accord car. Yusuf was sentenced to 23 years imprisonment, while other convicted offenders received prison terms ranging from two to six years.
The NDLEA boss appealed to the Yobe State Government to establish a standard drug rehabilitation and treatment centre to strengthen the treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of people battling substance abuse.
He commended Governor Mai Mala Buni, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations, and residents of the state for their unwavering support in the fight against illicit drugs.
As he prepares to retire from the agency on July 15, 2026, Tajudeen expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve in Yobe State and urged all stakeholders to sustain the campaign against drug abuse in order to build a safer, healthier, and drug-free society.
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