NDLEA nabs 702 suspected illicit drugs peddlers in Jigawa

• The state commander noted that the command had remained steadfast and was committed to reducing the demand for illicit drugs and other substances of abuse in the state.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Jigawa Command has secured the conviction of 107 individuals involved in illicit drug peddling in 2024.

According to Mr. Musa Maina, the State Commander of the Agency, this information was disclosed during an interview with NAN in Dutse, Jigawa State capital, on Wednesday.

Within the review period, 702 suspects were apprehended, consisting of 25 females and 677 males, while approximately 592,626.52 kilograms of suspected illicit substances were confiscated.

Maina explained that the seized substances included around 466.968 kilograms of suspected cannabis sativa, 23.655 kilograms of suspected psychotropic substances, and 100.185 kilograms of other substances of abuse.

The command also provided counseling to 591 drug users, comprising 27 females and 564 males, on the detrimental effects of drug abuse during the review period.

Furthermore, the command successfully rehabilitated 36 individuals dependent on drugs at its rehabilitation center.

“According to him, we were also able to successfully rehabilitate 36 drug-dependent persons at our rehabilitation center, as well as deliver 99 drug-preventive education lectures and advocacy talks.

“The lectures and advocacy talks were delivered through various mediums, including tertiary institutions, the NYSC, government agencies, drug-free clubs, CSOs, marketplaces, and print and electronic media.”

The state commander emphasized the command’s commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs and substances of abuse in the state.

“The command worked hard with great determination to limit the supply and abuse of hard drugs and other psychoactive substances, and we are committed to doing even more to achieve much greater feats.

“While I solicit greater collaboration from stakeholders to rid the state of substance abuse, I commend traditional and religious institutions, as well as the state government, for their support and cooperation with the agency in its fight against drug abuse thus far.

“I also enjoin residents of the state to join hands with us in the fight against the menace of illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.”