NDLEA Destroys Tons of Illicit Drugs in Kogi State to Combat Insecurity and Drug Abuse
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 25 tons of illicit drugs seized in Kogi State, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and its associated security threats. The public destruction of the drugs took place in Lokoja on Wednesday, with NDLEA Chairman, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), emphasizing the dangers posed by the circulation of such substances.
Represented by the Director of Operations and General Investigation at NDLEA headquarters, Ahmed Suleiman Ningi, Marwa revealed that the 25,229 kilograms of illicit drugs destroyed could have exacerbated insecurity in Kogi State and across Nigeria if allowed to reach the streets.
Breakdown of the Destroyed Drugs
The destroyed substances included:
– Cannabis Sativa: 20,000.316kg
– Tramadol: 476.864kg
– Rohypnol: 13.045kg
– Diazepam: 151.319kg
– Exol-5: 648.683kg
– Pentazocine Injection: 361.650kg
– Cocaine: 1.888kg
– Codeine-based Syrup: 2,393.94kg
– MDMA: 0.305kg
– Diazepam Injection: 1.100kg
– Tramadol Injection: 2.800kg
– Methamphetamine: 34.208kg
– Heroin: 0.215kg
– Morphine: 1.700kg
– Ketamine: 3.600kg
– Cocodamol: 1.300kg
– Midazolam: 3.700kg
– Akuskura (NPS): 1,132.600kg
Alarming Statistics on Drug Abuse in Nigeria
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Marwa highlighted the findings of the 2018 National Drug Use Survey, which revealed that 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15–64 abuse drugs, a figure comparable to the population of some countries. Of particular concern is the fact that 10.6 million Nigerians abuse cannabis, placing Nigeria among the countries with the highest rates of cannabis abuse globally.
“These statistics are not just numbers; they represent a significant threat to public health and national security,” Marwa stated. “Since assuming leadership of the NDLEA in January 2021, we have intensified our efforts to tackle this menace head-on, and today’s exercise is a testament to our commitment.”
Earlier, The Kogi State Commander of NDLEA Umah Mustapha Yahuza asserted that 24 vehicles belonging to illegal drug dealers have been forfeited to command.
He solicited the cooperation of the general public to combat illicit trading of drugs in Kogi State adding that, the command is still in possession of five tonnes of drugs whose cases are not yet concluded.
“Kogi State is strategically located, it shares borders with 10 states and Fct-Abuja. It is a confluence state that connects Eastern, Southern and Northern Nigeria, therefore we won’t rest on our oars to ensure we provide the much-needed buffer so that illicit drugs are intercepted with more vigour to prevent these drugs from being trafficked to other states using Kogi State as a transit point,” he added.
Kogi State Government’s Commitment
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by the State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara (Retd), expressed his administration’s concern over the rising use of illicit drugs in the state. He pledged continued support for the NDLEA’s efforts to rid Kogi of drug-related crimes and ensure the safety of its citizens.
The public destruction of the drugs underscores the NDLEA’s resolve to curb drug trafficking and abuse, which are closely linked to rising insecurity and criminal activities across Nigeria. The agency has called for increased collaboration with state governments, security agencies, and the public to address the root causes of drug abuse and its devastating consequences.
By PRNigeria
