NDLEA commissions premier drug rehab center in Yobe
As part of activities marking the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has established a mini drug treatment and rehabilitation centre in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday in Damaturu, NDLEA State Commander, Mr. Abdulazeez Ogungboye, described the centre as a milestone achievement in the agency’s efforts to combat drug abuse and rehabilitate affected individuals in the state.
According to Ogungboye, the centre, which is the first of its kind in Yobe, has already admitted nine drug-dependent individuals since it began operations. Of these, eight have successfully completed rehabilitation and were reunited with their families, while one person remains under care. He also disclosed that one of the rehabilitated individuals has been empowered to start a business centre, thanks to the support of a benevolent anonymous donor.
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“In light of the high cost of treatment services, we have partnered with philanthropists across the state to subsidize bills for indigent clients,” the commander explained, encouraging drug-dependent individuals across the state’s 17 local government areas to approach NDLEA zonal offices for assistance in accessing the facility.
The 2025 global campaign theme is “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”, emphasizing the need for proactive approaches to drug control.
Highlighting the agency’s performance over the past year—from June 26, 2024, to June 26, 2025—Ogungboye revealed that the command seized a total of 438.73 kilograms of illicit drugs, which included 300.696kg of cannabis and 137.288kg of psychotropic substances.
During the same period, 56 offenders were convicted, 96 drug-related cases are still pending in court, and 148 drug dependents received counselling and psychosocial support.
Commander Ogungboye extended appreciation to Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, and other security and community stakeholders for their consistent support, which he said has significantly contributed to the agency’s successes in the state.
Other activities commemorating the drug awareness week included a public sensitization walk from the Emir of Damaturu’s palace to the NDLEA headquarters, as well as religious sermons at Damaturu Central Mosque on June 20 and at ECWA Goodnews Church on June 22. These events were part of the agency’s interfaith approach to spreading awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.
By PRNigeria
