The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Akwa Ibom State Command, has announced the arrest of 312 suspected drug offenders and the seizure of 803.672 kilograms of illicit substances between June 2024 and May 2025.
Commander of the agency in the state, Mrs. Obot Bassey, made this known during a press briefing in Uyo on Tuesday to mark the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This year’s theme is “The Evidence Is Clear: Invest in Prevention, #BreakTheCircle.”
Speaking at the event, Bassey revealed that 261 of the suspects arrested were male, while 51 were female. She added that within the period under review, 38 drug offenders were prosecuted and convicted by the agency.
“We have made considerable progress. In the past 11 months, we arrested 312 individuals — 261 men and 51 women — and recovered over 803 kilograms of narcotics,” she said.
The NDLEA commander also disclosed that 43 male drug-dependent individuals received treatment and rehabilitation from the agency. In addition, 179 persons underwent counselling as part of the agency’s rehabilitation outreach.
“As part of our drug demand reduction strategy, we carried out sensitization and education campaigns in 91 locations across the state. Prevention remains at the core of our operations,” she added.
Bassey emphasized that substance abuse is not only a criminal concern but also a pressing public health issue, urging a collective response from all stakeholders.
“Parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community influencers all have a role to play in steering our youths away from the path of addiction. Drug use undermines health, disrupts communities, and destroys futures,” she warned.
She further appealed to the government and well-meaning individuals to invest in preventive initiatives and provide logistical support to enhance the agency’s operations across the 31 local government areas of the state.
“While we are grateful for the support received so far, we still lack mobility. We urge the government and philanthropists to assist us with operational vehicles to reach every part of the state,” she stated.
Bassey also expressed appreciation to other security agencies in the state for their continued cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
“We cannot do this alone. The synergy we have built with sister agencies has been vital in our successes, and we remain committed to working together to achieve a drug-free Akwa Ibom,” she said.
