By Zakari Haruna Isah
The Kaduna State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it arrested 1,107 suspected drug offenders and seized 12,724.652 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and psychotropic substances between June 2025 and June 2026.
The State Commander, CN Maijama'a Muhammad, disclosed this during a press briefing to commemorate the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Kaduna.
He said the seizures comprised 9,091.974kg of cannabis sativa, 301.852kg of tramadol, 3,345.558kg of psychotropic substances, 2.949kg of methamphetamine, 0.315kg of cocaine and 0.004kg of heroin.
According to the Commander, 1,075 of those arrested were men while 32 were women. He added that 284 suspects were charged to court, resulting in the conviction of 245 offenders for various drug-related offences.
Muhammad noted that the Command also intensified efforts to reduce drug demand through counselling, treatment and rehabilitation programmes. He said 94 persons were admitted for treatment, 78 successfully completed rehabilitation, while 1,458 others received brief intervention services.
He further revealed that the Command dismantled 662 drug joints across Kaduna State through intelligence-led operations and collaboration with communities, describing the feat as a major step in disrupting local drug distribution networks.
Speaking on this year's theme, "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," the NDLEA Commander said drug abuse remains a major driver of criminality, violence, mental health disorders, school dropouts and insecurity.
He called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, traditional and religious leaders, schools, parents, the media and community stakeholders to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Muhammad reaffirmed the commitment of the Kaduna State Command to sustaining public enlightenment campaigns, enforcement operations, treatment and rehabilitation services, stressing that collective action remains essential to building a safer and drug-free society.