By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Yobe State Command, has recorded significant achievements in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, arresting 151 suspects and seizing 328.421 kilograms of illicit drugs between July 2025 and June 26, 2026.
The State Commander, Mustapha Olayinka Tajudeen (mnin), disclosed this during a press briefing held in Damaturu to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (UN Drug Day), observed annually on June 26.
Speaking on this year’s theme – “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” the Commander said the theme highlights the need for sustained collaboration and innovative strategies in tackling drug abuse and trafficking.
He explained that the command intensified raids across Yobe State, dismantled several drug joints, disrupted illicit drug activities and carried out preventive education campaigns in primary and secondary schools to raise awareness among students about the dangers of drug abuse.
According to him, 151 suspects were arrested during the period under review, comprising 144 males and seven females. The command also seized 280.642 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa and 47.779 kilograms of psychotropic substances, bringing the total quantity of drugs recovered to 328.421 kilograms.
On prosecution, the Commander said 27 offenders were convicted, while 35 cases were charged to court, adding that 88 cases are currently pending before various courts.
In the area of rehabilitation, the NDLEA provided counselling services to 116 drug-dependent clients, while nine clients successfully completed rehabilitation at the Command’s mini-rehabilitation facility.
Mustapha also highlighted achievements recorded since assuming office as Yobe State Commander on November 25, 2025, noting that within seven months, the Command arrested 96 suspects, seized 209.162 kilograms of illicit drugs, secured 11 convictions, counselled 67 clients, and rehabilitated nine persons.
He further revealed that assets belonging to a convicted drug trafficker, Idris Yusuf, including two houses, two motorcycles and one Honda Accord car, were forfeited to the Federal Government following a Federal High Court order.
The suspect was sentenced to 23 years imprisonment.
Other convicted offenders also received prison terms ranging from two to six years.
The Commander appealed to the Yobe State Government to establish a standard drug rehabilitation and treatment centre to improve the treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration of persons affected by substance abuse.
He commended Governor Mai Mala Buni, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and residents of Yobe State for their continued support in the fight against drug abuse.
As he prepares to retire from the NDLEA on July 15, 2026, Mustapha expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Yobe State, urging all stakeholders to sustain efforts towards building a safer and drug-free society.
