NDLEA Seizes 9.4 Tonnes of Drugs, Arrests 1,587 Suspects in Plateau Crackdown

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded one of its biggest operational successes in Plateau State, seizing more than 9.4 tonnes of illicit drugs and controlled substances while arresting 1,587 suspects over a 12-month period.

The State Commander of the NDLEA, Anthony Tala Gotar, disclosed the figures on Thursday in Jos during a briefing to commemorate the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Speaking on this year's theme, "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges and Innovative Responses," Gotar said the command's operations between July 2025 and June 2026 significantly disrupted drug trafficking networks across Plateau State.

According to him, operatives confiscated a total of 9,488.186 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and controlled substances during intelligence-led operations conducted across the state.

"The Command successfully seized a total of 9,488.186 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and controlled substances across various operations conducted within the state. These seizures have disrupted drug distribution networks and prevented harmful substances from reaching our communities," he said.

The NDLEA commander also revealed that 1,587 suspects, comprising both men and women, were arrested for various drug-related offences during the period under review.

He described the arrests as evidence of the agency's sustained efforts to dismantle trafficking syndicates and curb the proliferation of illicit substances across the state.

In a development that underscores the growing relationship between drug trafficking and violent criminal activities, Gotar disclosed that operatives recovered significant quantities of weapons and ammunition during anti-drug operations.

The recovered items included 486 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three locally fabricated pistols and two pump-action guns.

Four suspects linked to the weapons were arrested and subsequently handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.

"These recoveries underscore the growing connection between illicit drug activities and other forms of criminality. The suspects and exhibits were transferred to the appropriate security agencies for necessary action," he stated.

The commander further disclosed that the agency secured the conviction of 71 drug offenders during the period under review.

According to him, the convicted individuals received various jail terms after being found guilty by competent courts, while several other cases remain pending before the Federal High Court in Jos.

The convictions, he noted, demonstrate the agency's determination to ensure that those involved in drug trafficking and related offences are brought to justice.

As part of its enforcement strategy, the NDLEA intensified intelligence-driven raids on notorious drug distribution centres and black spots across Jos and surrounding communities.

Areas targeted during the operations included Ojukwu Street, the Congo-Russia axis, Kugiya, Zawan, Ungwan Doki, Rayfield, Mai-Adiko, Bukuru Park, Gold and Base, among other identified locations.

The operations led to the destruction of drug joints, arrests of traffickers and users, seizure of narcotics and the disruption of established distribution networks.

"Several notorious drug joints, black spots and drug distribution centres were successfully dismantled and disrupted. These operations resulted in the arrest of drug traffickers and users, seizure of illicit substances and destruction of drug distribution points," Gotar said.

Beyond enforcement activities, the NDLEA commander stressed that the agency continued to pursue a balanced approach that combines law enforcement with rehabilitation, treatment and public education.

He disclosed that 114 individuals suffering from drug dependence received treatment and rehabilitation services at the command's rehabilitation centre during the period under review.

Additionally, 900 drug users underwent brief intervention counselling programmes before being released to their families for continued monitoring and support.

Gotar said the agency remains committed to reducing drug demand through preventive education and community engagement initiatives aimed at discouraging substance abuse, especially among young people.

The commander urged residents of Plateau State to support the agency by providing credible intelligence that could assist security agencies in combating drug trafficking and abuse.

He stressed that government institutions alone cannot win the fight against illicit drugs without active collaboration from communities, parents, schools, religious organisations, civil society groups and the media.

"The fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking is a collective responsibility. Government agencies alone cannot win this battle without the active support of parents, community leaders, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, civil society groups and the media," he said.

Gotar reaffirmed the command's commitment to strengthening intelligence-led operations, expanding community-based prevention programmes and deploying innovative strategies to address emerging drug threats across Plateau State.