By Abubakar Abraham
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kogi State Strategic Command, on Friday commemorated the International Day Against Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances at its headquarters in Lokoja, highlighting it’s achievements in the battle against illicit drug use and trafficking.
The event aligned with the 2026 United Nations World Drug Day theme: “World Drug Problem: Persistent Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
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In a speech delivered by the Command’s Commander, ACGN Umar Yahuza, the agency underscored the devastating impact of drug abuse on security, families, and national development.
“Many individuals, communities, and the society as a whole are daily facing security challenges as a result of drug abuse. It is the catalyst to present-day security challenges such as banditry, insurgency, and other forms of violent crimes,” Yahuza stated.
The Commander highlighted the Command’s dual approach of drug supply reduction and demand reduction, which has yielded significant results since its upgrade to a Strategic Command. From June 2025 to date, the Command recorded the arrest of 386 suspects and seized 8,997.020 kg of various narcotics and psychotropic substances, including Cannabis sativa, Methamphetamine, Codeine-based syrup, Cocaine, and Tramadol.
Notable inter-agency collaborations contributed to these successes. The Command received three suspects and three Toyota Camry vehicles containing 566.951 kg of Cannabis sativa from the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lokoja. The Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard transferred two suspects and 91.794 kg of psychotropic substances, while the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command, handed over four suspects, a Honda Pilot SUV, and 271.2 kg of Cannabis sativa. All cases are currently before the Federal High Court in Lokoja, with interim forfeiture orders already secured for the seized vehicles.
On the prosecution front, the Command has charged 131 cases since June last year, securing 84 convictions with 123 cases still pending at various stages.
Yahuza also detailed demand reduction efforts. This year, 299 drug-dependent persons received brief counseling interventions, while seven clients referred by their families have been fully rehabilitated and reintegrated into society. The Command has intensified public sensitization campaigns across Kogi State, aiming to reach all communities.
The agency is collaborating with the Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture on an Alternative Development Project to support illegal cannabis growers and traffickers in shifting to sustainable lawful livelihoods through empowerment and rehabilitation.
Additionally, the Federal Government’s Drug Integrity Test policy for tertiary institutions, introduced in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is already operational in some Kogi institutions. The Commander urged remaining schools to adopt the policy as a deterrent to ensure drug-free campuses.
Yahuza commended the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for its unwavering support. He particularly praised the inauguration of the Kogi State Drug Abuse Control Committee, chaired by Her Excellency Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, which includes members from public, private, and non-governmental sectors to complement NDLEA efforts.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Governor’s wife by Rev. Oluwasomidire Simon, Hajiya Sefinat Ododo, emphasised prevention and family roles.
“As a mother, a daughter, and a citizen, I am desperately concerned about the futures we are losing to illicit drugs,” she said. She called for stronger prevention in schools and communities, expanded treatment without stigma, support for women and families affected by addiction, and robust partnerships across sectors.
“World Drug Day is not just a ceremony. It is a commitment that in Kogi State, we will choose hope over despair, prevention over punishment, and healing over hiding,” the message concluded.
The event featured representatives from various security agencies including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, FRSC, and Immigration Service.
A pupil from Michael Omologun Memorial College thanked the NDLEA for creating a safer environment. Pharmacist Kudirat of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria pledged collaboration, while Special Advisers on Drug Abuse and Human Trafficking vowed support. Mr. Reuben Joshua, representing KOGONET and SERDEC, also delivered remarks.
Brigadier General M.G. Buhari, represented at the event, noted the link between drugs and insecurity, stating that arrested bandits and terrorists are often found in possession of illicit drugs.
The programme concluded with a demonstration and exhibition of seized drugs, vehicles, and trafficking tools, underscoring the agency’s resolve that assets linked to illegal drug activities will be impounded in line with the law.
The commemoration reinforced collective commitment to addressing persistent drug challenges through innovative, multi-stakeholder responses in Kogi State and beyond.
