Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
As part of activities marking the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Ogun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) hosted an inter-agency sports tournament to foster collaboration among security agencies and reinforce efforts to combat drug abuse.
The event, themed “The Evidence Is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” featured football and table tennis competitions involving the NDLEA, Nigeria Army, Police, So-Safe Corps, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), FRSC, Immigration, NYSC, and others.
Speaking at the grand finale held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, NDLEA State Commander, Tijjani Rabe, said the initiative aimed to build stronger ties among law enforcement agencies in the fight against illicit drugs.
Rabe disclosed that from the 2024 World Drug Day till date, the command had seized significant quantities of illicit substances including:
Cannabis: 18,718.547kg
Tramadol: 372.533kg
Codeine: 158.92 litres
Skuches: 897.10 litres
Monkey Tail: 2.25 litres
Other substances like methamphetamine, cocaine, molly, diazepam, rohypnol, and pentazocine injection.
READ ALSO: NDLEA Arrests 127 Drug Offenders, Seizes 1,205 kg in Bauchi
He added that 847 drug suspects were apprehended, 209 convicted, while 452 individuals received counseling. The command also embarked on 153 advocacy visits to educate the public.
“The NDLEA remains committed to reducing both the supply and demand for illicit substances and raising public awareness on the dangers of drug abuse,” he said.
Representing Ogun First Lady Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the wife of the Speaker, Mrs. Yinka Elemide, reiterated the state’s support for the anti-drug campaign, pledging continued advocacy, youth engagement, and backing for rehabilitation initiatives.
“I firmly believe in a comprehensive approach — one that includes prevention, education, enforcement, and treatment,” she said.
The event ended with a thrilling football final, where the Nigeria Police team defeated the NYSC team 5–1.