NDLEA Seizes 10 Tonnes of Illicit Drugs, Recovers 40 Firearms, 874 Cartridges in Kogi
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kogi State says it has seized more than 10 tonnes of illicit drugs and recovered 40 firearms and 874 cartridges from suspected drug traffickers since late 2025.
The State Commander of the NDLEA, Umar Yahuza, disclosed this in Lokoja while speaking with journalists after the agency handed over the recovered arms and ammunition to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Yahuza said the weapons comprised five pistols and 35 other firearms recovered during various anti-narcotics operations across the state.
He disclosed that several suspects had been arrested for drug trafficking and related offences, with many currently facing prosecution before the Federal High Court in Lokoja. According to him, more than 80 per cent of the suspects standing trial are males.
The commander said cannabis sativa accounted for the largest proportion of the illicit substances seized, followed by tramadol, cocaine and methamphetamine.
Yahuza explained that some of the firearms were recovered from suspected drug dealers involved in cannabis cultivation, alleging that the weapons were acquired to confront security personnel during enforcement operations.
The command, he added, also recovered counterfeit Naira, United States Dollar and British Pound notes, as well as counterfeit drugs, which were subsequently handed over to the appropriate agencies for further investigation and action.
Yahuza said the recovery of the drugs, weapons and other prohibited items demonstrated the importance of collaboration among security and law-enforcement agencies in tackling the links between drug trafficking and other forms of criminality.
He assured residents that the NDLEA would intensify operations against drug dealers and other criminal elements, while urging members of the public to provide credible intelligence to security agencies.
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The commander also cautioned residents against harbouring or assisting criminals, stressing that illicit drug trafficking and abuse could fuel kidnapping, violent crime and insecurity.
Speaking at the event, Security Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, commended the NDLEA for its anti-narcotics operations and contribution to the broader security efforts in Kogi State.
Omodara described the recovery of the drugs, firearms and ammunition as significant, saying taking such items out of circulation could prevent their use in violent crimes.
He said the state government maintained a zero-tolerance approach to insecurity and criminality, adding that security agencies had continued to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations and regular patrols.
According to him, sustained security operations and inter-agency collaboration have contributed to relative peace across the state.
Omodara disclosed that efforts were continuing to recover weapons from criminal elements operating in forests and other locations, adding that some bandits had begun surrendering their arms.
He called for greater Federal Government support for security operations in the North-Central region, describing Kogi as strategically located because of its road and water connections between northern and southern Nigeria.
The security adviser also welcomed efforts to strengthen military formations in the state, saying additional battalions and Forward Operating Bases would enhance ongoing security operations.
Ahead of the October 17 local government elections, Omodara assured residents that security agencies were coordinating deployment plans to ensure a peaceful exercise.
He warned bandits, kidnappers, highway robbers, cultists and other criminal elements to desist from their activities or face arrest and prosecution.
Omodara commended Governor Ododo for supporting security agencies, stressing that sustained cooperation among the government, security agencies and residents remained crucial to maintaining peace and security across Kogi State.
By PRNigeria
