By Naomi Ishaku Bugo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Niger Command, says it has seized 10,127.84 kilogrammes of various illicit drugs and secured the conviction of 173 drug offenders from 2025 to date.
Mr Shehu Gwadabawa, the State Commander of the agency, disclosed this on Friday in Minna during the commemoration of the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
He said that the command also arrested 189 suspected drug traffickers during the period, with 173 already convicted and serving various jail terms.
Speaking on the theme, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” Gwadabawa said the observance was aimed at raising awareness that the drug problem remained a global challenge requiring collective action.
He stressed the need for stronger international collaboration to tackle drug abuse and illicit trafficking, noting that the menace continued to fuel mental health challenges, social inequality, crime, stigmatisation and other societal problems.
According to him, the emergence of new psychoactive substances and evolving methods of drug distribution have further complicated efforts by law enforcement agencies.
“There are new challenges confronting all nations, including the introduction of new drugs that hitherto were not available and new methods of drug distribution that are posing great difficulties for security agencies to address.
“These include colos, ice, digital drug markets, also called dark webs, anonymous payment systems, the use of delivery vans, courier services and e-cigarettes,” he said.
Gwadabawa said that the NDLEA had continued to respond through technology-driven operations, policy reforms, counselling and rehabilitation programmes, digital visa clearance for travellers to drug source countries, public sensitisation campaigns and the use of dedicated helplines.
He, however, identified inadequate operational vehicles as a major challenge facing the command and appealed to relevant authorities to provide the needed logistics.
The commander appreciated the Niger State Government for its continued support and pledged the agency’s commitment to sustaining the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Also speaking, Gov. Umaru Bago described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats to public health, family stability, security and national development.
Represented by his deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, the governor said substance abuse destroys lives, weakens families, fuels crime and deprives society of productive youths.
He said the theme of this year’s observance underscored the need for sustained efforts, noting that the fight against drug abuse required the active participation of parents, teachers, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations and community leaders.
Bago reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and development through programmes aimed at addressing the social and economic conditions that expose young people to drug abuse and criminality.
“Our vision is to build a Niger State where every young person can dream, aspire and succeed without depending on harmful substances.
“I therefore call on our youths to reject drug abuse in all its forms. Your future is too valuable to be exchanged for temporary pleasure that ultimately leads to pain and regret,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 26 is observed annually as the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to raise global awareness of the dangers of drug abuse and strengthen collaboration against illicit drug trafficking.
The event attracted students from various secondary schools in the state, government officials and other stakeholders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)