Over 2.4 tonnes of illicit drugs were seized as the command intensifies enforcement, sensitisation, and rehabilitation efforts.
Katsina: The Katsina State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it arrested 1,018 suspects and secured 87 convictions in 2025, as part of its intensified campaign against illicit drugs.
State Narcotic Commander, Mr Isma’il Danmalam, disclosed this on Tuesday in Katsina while briefing journalists on the command’s activities for the year under review. He said 86 suspects are still undergoing trial, while the arrests comprised 992 males and 26 females.
Danmalam revealed that more than 2.4 tonnes of illicit drugs were confiscated during the period. The seizures included 1,667.7kg of cannabis, 12.3kg of codeine, and 793.6kg of psychotropic substances. He commended the NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), for motivating officers to achieve the successes recorded.
“These achievements reflect the balanced application of supply reduction (kinetic) and demand reduction (non-kinetic) strategies,” Danmalam said.
Beyond enforcement, the command also conducted 203 sensitisation and advocacy programmes, reaching over 75,000 beneficiaries across schools, communities, and institutions.
In addition, 451 individuals received counselling, while 58 clients were admitted for rehabilitation, underscoring NDLEA’s commitment to prevention, treatment, and reintegration.
Despite the progress, Danmalam noted that the command continues to face logistical challenges affecting operational efficiency. He appealed to stakeholders and government authorities for greater support to sustain and expand the fight against drug abuse.
He stressed that combating drugs requires collective responsibility, urging communities to share information, engage in advocacy, and embrace community policing initiatives.
The commander also used the occasion to decorate 61 personnel who had been recently promoted within the command, praising their dedication and professionalism.