NDLEA Intercepts 1,396kg of Illicit Drugs, Nabs 150 Suspects in Adamawa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has recorded a major operational breakthrough in Adamawa State with the seizure of 1,396 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs and the arrest of 150 suspected drug traffickers in a coordinated crackdown across the state. The operation, described by the agency as one of its most significant interventions in the North-East in recent months, forms part of intensified efforts to dismantle drug networks and curb substance abuse.

According to the NDLEA, the arrests and seizures were made during a series of intelligence-driven raids carried out in key locations identified as hotspots for drug trafficking, storage and distribution. The agency said the operation spanned urban centres, border communities and remote settlements where traffickers often exploit difficult terrain and weak surveillance to operate.

The seized drugs reportedly include large quantities of cannabis sativa, psychotropic substances and other controlled narcotics concealed in warehouses, residential buildings and makeshift storage facilities. NDLEA operatives also intercepted drugs being transported through commercial vehicles, motorcycles and private cars, with some suspects allegedly disguising illicit consignments as foodstuffs and household goods.

Speaking on the development, the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the operation reflects the agency’s renewed determination to disrupt drug supply chains at both retail and wholesale levels. He noted that Adamawa has remained a strategic route for drug trafficking due to its proximity to international borders and its role as a transit corridor linking different parts of the country.

Marwa explained that the suspects arrested include alleged dealers, couriers and suppliers, adding that preliminary investigations revealed the involvement of organised groups coordinating the movement and sale of drugs within and outside the state. He stressed that the agency would pursue thorough investigations to uncover wider networks linked to the suspects.

The NDLEA boss warned that drug trafficking and abuse pose serious threats to public health, security and economic productivity, particularly among young people. He said the agency’s operations are designed not only to seize drugs and arrest offenders but also to deter others from engaging in the illicit trade.

He further disclosed that some of the suspects were apprehended during night operations, while others were arrested at motor parks and markets where drugs are often distributed in small quantities. According to him, the scale of the seizures underscores the depth of the drug problem and the need for sustained enforcement.

In Adamawa, NDLEA commanders said the operation was executed with support from other security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders who provided intelligence and logistical assistance. They noted that collaboration with local stakeholders has improved access to information and enhanced the effectiveness of operations.

The agency said several of the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while others found to be drug users would be referred for counselling and rehabilitation under NDLEA’s drug demand reduction programme. The agency reiterated its commitment to balancing enforcement with treatment and rehabilitation.

Residents of affected communities have commended the NDLEA for the operation, describing it as a relief in areas where drug abuse has contributed to crime, domestic violence and school dropout rates. Some community leaders said the presence of drug dealers had long undermined social stability, particularly among youths.

Security analysts say the crackdown could have a positive impact on reducing drug-related crimes in the state if sustained. They, however, cautioned that traffickers may attempt to regroup or shift operations to other locations, calling for continuous surveillance and intelligence sharing.

The NDLEA noted that the Adamawa operation is part of a nationwide offensive against drug trafficking, with similar raids conducted in other states. The agency said it has stepped up patrols, surveillance and public sensitisation in line with the Federal Government’s directive to strengthen internal security and public health safeguards.

Marwa urged parents, religious leaders and community groups to support the fight against drug abuse by discouraging substance use and reporting suspicious activities. He emphasised that law enforcement alone cannot solve the problem without strong community involvement.

He also assured that NDLEA personnel would continue to operate within the law and respect human rights while carrying out their duties. According to him, professionalism and accountability remain central to the agency’s operations.

As the suspects remain in custody, the NDLEA said further details would emerge from ongoing investigations, including possible links to interstate and transnational drug syndicates. The agency maintained that it would not relent until drug trafficking networks are dismantled and communities made safer.

The latest operation reinforces NDLEA’s message that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for drug traffickers, as authorities intensify actions to protect lives, secure communities and safeguard the future of the nation’s youth.