NDLEA Convicts 87, Arrests Over 1,000 in Katsina State Crackdown

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Katsina State has secured the conviction of 87 illicit drug traffickers and arrested 1,018 suspects in the year 2025, authorities announced on Tuesday.

State Commander Mr. Isma’il Danmalam disclosed the figures during an annual review with journalists, highlighting a year of intensified operations. He stated that 86 suspects are currently undergoing trial. Among the 1,018 individuals arrested, 992 were male and 26 were female.

The command confiscated more than 2.4 tonnes of illicit substances. The seizures included 1,667.747 kilograms of cannabis, 12.348 kilograms of codeine, and 793.66 kilograms of other psychotropic drugs.

Danmalam credited the agency’s leadership under Chairman Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa for motivating personnel. He explained that the successes resulted from a dual strategy of “supply reduction” enforcement and “demand reduction” advocacy.

On the prevention front, the command conducted 203 sensitization programs, reaching 75,135 people across various institutions and communities. It also provided counseling to 451 individuals and admitted 58 clients for rehabilitation.

Despite these gains, the commander acknowledged persistent logistical challenges hindering operational efficiency. He appealed to the government and stakeholders for enhanced support, emphasizing that the fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility requiring community cooperation in information sharing and advocacy.

During the event, Danmalam also decorated 61 recently promoted personnel within the command.