The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has destroyed over 8,000 kilogrammes of seized illicit substances in Yobe State, marking the first public destruction of drugs in the state’s history.
The agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive, retired Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the exercise as a “historic and symbolic milestone” in Nigeria’s ongoing campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.
Speaking through the NDLEA’s Director of Operations and General Investigations, Ahmed Ningi, Marwa said the destruction demonstrated the agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the total elimination of seized drugs from circulation.
“For the first time in Yobe, seized illicit substances that once threatened the safety, peace, and future of our people are being publicly destroyed,” Marwa said.
“This exercise is not only a statutory requirement but also a public demonstration of victory over criminal enterprise.”
According to him, since the establishment of the NDLEA command in Yobe in 2003, officers have seized a total of 16,011.13 kilogrammes of illicit drugs, including 13,595.118kg of Cannabis Sativa, 2,475.85kg of psychotropic substances, 0.04kg of cocaine, and 0.012kg of heroin.
Of this total, 8,166.95 kilogrammes were approved by the Federal High Court in Damaturu for destruction, while 7,844.18 kilogrammes remain pending before the court.
The destroyed exhibits included 6,791.249kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1,375.65kg of psychotropic substances, 0.04kg of cocaine, and 0.012kg of heroin.
Marwa also commended the Yobe State Command for its notable achievements, including the arrest of 2,345 suspects, 349 convictions, rehabilitation of 11 drug-dependent persons, and counselling of 1,695 others.
The command, he added, had conducted more than 190 sensitisation campaigns across schools, communities, and religious institutions.
“The fight against drugs is not for NDLEA alone; it is a collective responsibility requiring the active support of government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the general public,” Marwa stressed.
He also lauded Governor Mai Mala Buni for his administration’s support to the agency, particularly the donation of operational vehicles and assistance with logistics.
Earlier, NDLEA Yobe State Commander, Mr. Abdulazeez Ogungboye, said the destruction was a testament to the leadership of Gen. Marwa and the continuous support of the Yobe State Government.
“Our achievements are products of collaboration with sister security agencies, the judiciary, traditional institutions, and the media,” he said.
Representing the governor, Yobe Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idi Gubana, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to tackling drug abuse and supporting NDLEA’s operations.
“Drug abuse has contributed greatly to criminal activities in our society,” Gubana stated. “The state government remains committed to rehabilitating drug-dependent persons and ensuring that Yobe remains a drug-free state.”
The destroyed substances were verified and certified by the NDLEA Directorate of Forensics before disposal.
