By Chimdiogo Amuh 

The Katsina State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 1,018 suspects and seized over 2.4 tonnes of illicit drugs across the state in 2025.

The State Commander, Mr. Samaila Danmalam, disclosed this on Tuesday during the command’s end-of-year press briefing held in Katsina.

Danmalam said the arrests and seizures were the result of sustained intelligence-led raids and patrol operations carried out across various parts of the state, aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks and curbing substance abuse.

Providing a breakdown of the figures, he said the suspects arrested comprised 992 males and 26 females.

According to him, a total of 2,473.755 kilogrammes of illicit substances were recovered, including 1,667.747kg of cannabis sativa, 793.66kg of psychotropic substances, and 12.348kg of codeine syrup.

The NDLEA commander noted that the sustained operations significantly weakened drug supply chains operating within Katsina State.

On prosecution, Danmalam revealed that 86 suspects were arraigned before various courts during the year, resulting in 87 convictions. He attributed the achievement to improved collaboration between NDLEA investigators and prosecutors, as well as sustained engagement with the judiciary.

Beyond enforcement, the command intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign to reduce drug demand across the state. He said the initiative, spearheaded nationally by NDLEA Chairman, retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, reached 75,135 beneficiaries through 203 sensitisation programmes in 2025.

He added that the command’s Drug Demand Reduction Unit counselled 451 drug users, while 58 clients were admitted for rehabilitation, describing the non-kinetic approach as critical, particularly for youths and other vulnerable groups.

Despite the successes recorded, Danmalam said the command continued to face logistical and infrastructural challenges, including inadequate operational vehicles, poor office infrastructure—especially drainage systems—and insufficient accommodation for personnel.

He appealed to government authorities, stakeholders, and philanthropists to support the command in addressing the challenges.

Danmalam commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the reappointment of Buba Marwa as NDLEA chairman, describing his leadership as transformative. He also acknowledged the support of Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, for refurbishing operational vehicles and sponsoring rehabilitation programmes.

The commander further praised traditional rulers, including the Emir of Katsina and the Emir of Daura, as well as security agencies such as the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, for their cooperation.

He assured residents that the NDLEA would sustain its efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the state, stressing that community participation and timely information sharing remained vital to achieving long-term success.

“Drug control is a collective responsibility. Together, we can reduce drug-related crimes and safeguard our communities,” he said.