By James Abel
The Katsina State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 1,018 suspects and seized more than 2.4 tonnes of illicit drugs across the state in 2025, marking one of its most intensive operational years.
The State Commander, Mr Samaila Danmalam, disclosed this on Tuesday during the command’s end-of-year press briefing in Katsina, attributing the successes to sustained intelligence-led raids and patrols aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks and curbing substance abuse.
According to Danmalam, a total of 1,018 suspects were arrested during the year, comprising 992 males and 26 females. He added that the command intercepted a combined 2,473.755 kilogrammes of illicit substances across various locations in the state.
A breakdown of the seizures showed that 1,667.747kg of Cannabis Sativa accounted for the bulk of the drugs confiscated, followed by 793.66kg of psychotropic substances and 12.348kg of Codeine syrup.
“These operations significantly disrupted the activities of drug traffickers and weakened illicit drug networks operating within Katsina State,” the commander said.
On prosecution, Danmalam noted that the command recorded notable legal milestones, with 86 suspects arraigned before the courts and 87 convictions secured within the period under review. He attributed the outcomes to improved synergy between NDLEA investigators and prosecutors, as well as enhanced engagement with the judiciary.
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA expanded its drug abuse prevention drive through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, a national initiative championed by the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa.
Danmalam said the Katsina command conducted 203 sensitisation programmes in 2025, reaching 75,135 beneficiaries across schools, communities and public institutions. He added that the drug demand reduction unit counselled 451 drug users, while 58 clients were admitted for rehabilitation.
He stressed that the non-kinetic approach was crucial to addressing drug demand, especially among youths and other vulnerable groups.
Despite the achievements, the commander said the command faced persistent logistical and infrastructural challenges, including inadequate operational vehicles, poor office infrastructure particularly drainage systems and insufficient accommodation for officers.
He appealed to government authorities, stakeholders and philanthropists to support the command in addressing these constraints.
Danmalam commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the reappointment of Marwa as NDLEA chairman, describing his leadership as transformative. He also praised Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, for supporting the command through the refurbishment of operational vehicles and sponsorship of rehabilitation programmes.
The commander further acknowledged the cooperation of traditional rulers, including the Emir of Katsina and the Emir of Daura, as well as security agencies such as the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade.
He assured residents that the NDLEA would sustain its fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the state, stressing the importance of community involvement.
“Drug control is a collective responsibility. Together, we can reduce drug-related crimes and safeguard our communities,” Danmalam said.
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