NDLEA declare war on drug peddlers in Bauchi, arrests 127 suspects

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Bauchi State has arrested 127 individuals and confiscated more than 1,200 kilograms of illegal drugs within the first half of 2025.

This disclosure was made by the State Commander of the NDLEA, CN Ali Aminu, during a press briefing in Bauchi on Thursday.

He stated that the arrests, which spanned from January to June, involved 118 male and 9 female suspects.

He also noted that 28 of the suspects had already been convicted, while 18 cases remain active in court.

“In total, we seized 1,205.174kg of narcotics,” Aminu said, breaking it down into 874.585kg of Cannabis Sativa, 330.588kg of psychotropic drugs, and 1.06 grams of Methamphetamine, also known as ‘ice’.

He went on to say that 32 individuals who were found using drugs were counselled and rehabilitated, with many benefiting from brief intervention programs aimed at reintegration.

Speaking on the significance of this year’s global anti-drug campaign, themed “The evidence is clear. Invest in prevention, break the cycle”, Commander Aminu said the message is particularly apt given Nigeria’s escalating drug crisis.

“Prevention is our strongest weapon in this fight, especially for groups at risk like young people and women,” he emphasised.

“Our efforts shine a light on prevention as the most essential strategy for halting the flow of drugs that fuels organised crime.

“This is done through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, alongside continuous education, sensitization, and awareness programs.”

Commander Aminu concluded with a stern warning: “The war against illicit drug use and trafficking is on. Anyone caught within Bauchi will not be spared.”

The press conference was held in commemoration of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marked annually on June 26.