The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Niger State Command, says it has secured 29 convictions between January and mid-April 2026 as part of its ongoing fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
The State Commander of the Agency, Shehu Nomau Gwadabawa, disclosed this while briefing Journalists on the Command’s achievements in 2026.
According to him, the command recorded significant successes in drug seizures across the state within the period under review.
Gwadabawa said that from January to April 2026, NDLEA operatives seized a total of 3,005.78835 kilograms of various illicit drugs.
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He explained that “cannabis sativa, popularly known as marijuana, accounted for the largest portion of the seizures, with 2,987.723 kilograms recovered.”
Other substances seized include 11.603 kilograms of tramadol tablets, 0.976 kilograms of diazepam tablets, and 0.0531 kilograms of methamphetamine, also known as “ice.”
The command also recovered 4.9 litres of cough syrup containing codeine, equivalent to over 5,000 bottles, as well as smaller quantities of pentazocine injections, pregabalin tablets, nitrazepam tablets, and Rohypnol tablets, commonly called “Orochi.”
In addition to the seizures, the NDLEA arrested 36 suspects, comprising 34 men and two women, in connection with drug-related offences.
The Commander highlighted some notable operations, including the arrest of a husband and wife in Takuti with 118 kilograms of cannabis sativa. He said the suspects are currently undergoing prosecution.
He also revealed that about two months ago, operatives arrested a suspect in possession of 483 components used for improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The suspect had since been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.
Gwadabawa noted that beyond arrests and seizures, the command has intensified its public enlightenment campaigns across secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and communities in places like Suleja and Bida.
He said that the agency maintains strong collaboration with other security agencies, including the police and the military, especially during joint operations.
“We work closely with sister agencies, particularly in operations that require joint efforts. Recently, we carried out a raid in Suleja alongside the police and the military,” he said.
The commander, however, identified a lack of operational vehicles as a major challenge affecting the command’s performance, especially in high-traffic areas like Mokwa.
He appealed for more logistical support, noting that improved mobility would further enhance the agency’s effectiveness in combating drug crimes in the state.
Gwadabawa also explained that the NDLEA avoids publicly disclosing the monetary value of seized drugs to prevent encouraging criminal activities.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining its operations and ensuring a drug-free society in Niger State.