By Muhammad Tijjani and Bukola Adetoye
No fewer than 1,290 suspects were arrested and 4,589.361kg of illicit substances recovered by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kaduna State Command, in 2024.
Its Commander in Kaduna State, Mr Samaila Danmalam, who was newsmen in Kaduna yesterday, said the arrests and seizures were made between January and December 2024.
“In its bid to stamp out drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, the Command in its kinetic approach carried out numerous assignments and executed raid operations,” Danmalam said.
He said the operation led to the arrest of 1,290 suspects, which included drug traffickers, illicit drug users and other enablers of the drug crime.
Danmalam added that 4,589.361kg of various hard drugs that included Cocaine, Marijuana, Methamphetamine, Tramadol, Rohypnol and other psychotropic substances were seized.
He said the command also intercepted 2,023 9mm and 7.62mm ammunition and two arms; an English pistol and a locally fabricated pistol during its operations within the period.
“Additionally, the command intercepted counterfeit naira notes of N1,000 denomination amounting to N4.8m while 124 illicit drug joints serving as meeting points for unwholesome activities were dismantled.
“The drug war cannot be won through just kinetic means.
“The command in the year 2024 intensified sensitisation campaigns, awareness lectures, counselling of drug users and rehabilitation of others to make them useful members of the larger society,” the commander said.
Danmalam also said the command prosecuted 189 suspects in court and secured the conviction of 155, who were sentenced to various terms ranging from two years to 15 years imprisonment.
He thanked the Kaduna State government, traditional rulers, community heads, Civil Society Organisations, community based organisations, the media and other security agencies for the support and collaboration.
He called on the public to always provide useful and timely information to assist the command in achieving a drug free state.
Meanwhile, the Narcotic Commander of the NDLEA, Ogun Command, Mr Tijani Rabe, has said having rehabilitation centres in the state for drug addicts would enhance the fight against hard drugs.
Rabe, yesterday in Abeokuta, said the state was without any rehabilitation centre, adding that such a centre would enhance rehabilitation of addicts and tackle the menace it poses to the society. “Without the centres, the war against illicit drug consumption may not end easily won,’ he said.
According to the NDLEA boss, most drug users are ashamed to visit psychiatric centers because of stigma, even when the agency mandates them after counseling.
“They strongly believe that a psychiatric centre is meant only for people with mental illness, They end up not going to see a psychiatrist even after recommendation, they feel insecure and exposed,” he said .
He said as the country approaches 2025, the command remained resolute in its determination to ensure a drug-free nation.
“The NDLEA will continue to launch incessant assaults on syndicates, using every tool at its disposal to disrupt and dismantle their operations.
“The agency will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that all our communities are safe and free from the scourge of illicit drugs.
“It will also redouble efforts on sensitation programmes to train the populace, especially the youths, on dangers of drug trafficking and consumption,” he said.
