The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday carried out the public destruction of 8,166.95 kilogrammes of illicit substances in Yobe State — marking the first such exercise in the state’s history.
The Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Marwa, described the event as a “historic and symbolic milestone” in the nation’s ongoing war against drug abuse.
Marwa, who was represented by Ahmed Ningi, the agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigations, said the destruction exercise underscored transparency, accountability, and NDLEA’s determination to ensure that seized substances never re-enter circulation.
“For the first time in Yobe, seized illicit substances that once threatened the safety, peace, and future of our people are being publicly destroyed.
This exercise is not only a statutory requirement but a public demonstration of victory over criminal enterprise,”
Marwa said.
According to the NDLEA boss, since its establishment in 2003, the Yobe Command has seized a total of 16,011.13 kilogrammes of illicit drugs. These include 13,595.118 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa, 2,475.85 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances, 0.04 kilogrammes of cocaine, and 0.012 kilogrammes of heroin.
Out of these, he explained, 8,166.95 kilogrammes were approved by the Federal High Court, Damaturu, for destruction, while 7,844.18 kilogrammes remain pending before the court.
The breakdown of the exhibits destroyed includes 6,791.249 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa, 1,375.65 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances, 0.04 kilogrammes of cocaine, and 0.012 kilogrammes of heroin.
Marwa commended the Yobe Command for its achievements, which include the arrest of 2,345 suspects, 349 convictions, rehabilitation of 11 drug-dependent persons, and counselling of 1,695 others. He also lauded the command’s over 190 sensitisation campaigns across schools, communities, and religious institutions, as well as the establishment of a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Club as part of its demand reduction efforts.
“The fight against drugs is not for NDLEA alone; it is a collective responsibility requiring the active support of government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the general public,”
he said.
Marwa further appreciated the Yobe State Government, under Governor Mai Mala Buni, for its continuous support to the NDLEA, including the recent donation of a Hilux vehicle to the state command. He also commended the judiciary, security agencies, and traditional institutions for their collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
Earlier, the NDLEA Yobe Commander, Mr. Abdulazeez Ogungboye, described the destruction exercise as a testament to the leadership of Marwa and the unwavering support of the Yobe State Government.
He noted that the agency’s successes in the state were the results of strong collaboration with sister security agencies, the judiciary, traditional rulers, and the media.
Representing Governor Buni, Deputy Governor Alhaji Idi Gubana reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the NDLEA and other security agencies in tackling illicit drugs.
“Drug abuse had contributed greatly to criminal activities in our society.
The state government remains committed to supporting NDLEA and other partners in rehabilitating drug-dependent persons and ensuring that Yobe remains a drug-free state,”
Buni said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all substances destroyed were verified and certified by the NDLEA’s Directorate of Forensics before disposal.
