Kehinde Fajobi
The Yobe State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized over 537 kilogrammes of illicit substances and arrested 46 suspects in 2024.
This was disclosed by the NDLEA Commander, Abdulazeez Ogungboye, on Tuesday in Damaturu during a review of the agency’s annual activities.
Ogungboye detailed that the seized drugs included 396.526kg of marijuana and 141.2kg of psychotropic substances.
He added that the agency secured 21 convictions out of 46 offenders charged, with 85 cases still pending at the Federal High Court, Damaturu Division.
The commander also revealed that the NDLEA provided counselling to 219 drug-dependent persons and conducted awareness campaigns in schools, communities, workplaces, and faith-based organisations.
He further highlighted the success of a mini rehabilitation centre established by the command, which graduated five individuals after a three-month programme.
Additionally, five rural outposts were established to strengthen outreach efforts.
Ogungboye called on the Yobe State Government to set up a standard rehabilitation centre, noting that the command’s current facility could only accommodate 16 inmates.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration and other agencies for their support, pledging the NDLEA’s continued dedication to achieving a drug-free society.