The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bauchi State Command, has arrested 127 suspected drug offenders and seized over 1,205 kilograms of various illicit substances between January and June 2025.

Bauchi State Commander, Ali Aminu, disclosed this in a statement issued to mark the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, commemorated annually on June 26.

According to Aminu, the arrests comprised 118 men and nine women. He added that the command had secured 28 convictions, with 18 cases still pending in court. Additionally, 32 drug users underwent counselling and rehabilitation, mostly through brief intervention programmes.

In terms of seizures, the NDLEA recovered 874.585 kilograms of cannabis sativa, 330.588 kilograms of psychotropic substances, and 1.06 grams of methamphetamine (commonly known as “ice”).

Aminu highlighted the toll of the global drug trade, which he said continues to undermine public health, fuel violence, and strengthen organised crime networks. He noted that the 2025 campaign theme, “The evidence is clear. Invest in prevention, break the cycle,” is particularly relevant for Nigeria.

“Drug trafficking is tearing through communities with substances that are more potent, more dangerous, and more deadly than ever,” he said, warning that vulnerable groups, especially women and youths, are being targeted by criminal networks.

He said the agency is intensifying its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) programme, which focuses on prevention through education, sensitisation, and public awareness.

“The NDLEA cannot win this war alone,” Aminu said, calling on individuals, governments, NGOs, religious institutions, schools, and security agencies to support awareness efforts.

He commended the NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), for revitalising the agency and motivating its personnel.

“The war against illicit use and trafficking in drugs is on. Users and dealers are therefore warned to stay clear of Bauchi State or be ready to face the wrath of the law,” he concluded.