Cynthia Ezegwu
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday carried out the public destruction of 8,166.95 kilogrammes of illicit drugs in Yobe State — the first such exercise in the state’s history.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the event as a “historic and symbolic milestone” in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse.
Represented by the agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigations, Ahmed Ningi, Marwa said the destruction of the seized substances demonstrated transparency, accountability, and a firm commitment to ensuring that illicit drugs never return to 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,” Marwa stated.
“This exercise is not only a statutory requirement but a public demonstration of victory over criminal enterprise.”
According to the NDLEA boss, the Yobe Command — established in 2003 — has seized a total of 16,011.13 kilogrammes of illicit drugs over the years. These include 13,595.118kg of Cannabis Sativa, 2,475.85kg of psychotropic substances, 0.04kg of cocaine, and 0.012kg of heroin.
Out of these, 8,166.95kg were approved by the Federal High Court in Damaturu for destruction, while 7,844.18kg remain pending before the court.
The breakdown of the destroyed drugs includes 6,791.249kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1,375.65kg of psychotropic substances, 0.04kg of cocaine, and 0.012kg of heroin.
Marwa commended the Yobe Command for its successes, which include the arrest of 2,345 suspects, 349 convictions, rehabilitation of 11 drug-dependent persons, and counselling of 1,695 others. The command has also conducted over 190 sensitisation campaigns in schools, communities, and religious institutions, and established a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Club.
“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,” Marwa added.
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He also lauded the Yobe State Government under Governor Mai Mala Buni for its continuous support, including the donation of a Hilux vehicle to the NDLEA command, as well as the judiciary and security agencies for their collaboration.
Earlier, the NDLEA Yobe Commander, Mr. Abdulazeez Ogungboye, described the destruction as a testament to Marwa’s leadership and the state’s unwavering support.
In his remarks, Yobe Deputy Governor Alhaji Idi Gubana, who represented Governor Buni, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating drug abuse through youth empowerment and rehabilitation initiatives.
“Drug abuse has contributed greatly to criminal activities in our society. The state government remains committed to supporting NDLEA and ensuring Yobe remains a drug-free state,” Buni said.
The NDLEA Directorate of Forensics verified and certified all destroyed substances before disposal.