—–Says NDLEA as a federal law enforcement agency is mandated to eliminate the cultivation, processing, manufacture, sale, exportation, and trafficking of hard drugs in Nigeria.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded major successes in its fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Ebonyi State, arresting 157 suspected drug offenders and seizing 134.483 kilograms of illicit substances within a three-month crackdown.
The Ebonyi State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Jude Ahamefule, disclosed this on Monday in Abakaliki during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He said the arrests and seizures were made between October and December 2025 as part of intensified enforcement operations across the state.
According to Ahamefule, the suspects comprised 123 males and 34 females, out of which six were successfully prosecuted and convicted during the period under review.
He revealed that the seized drugs included cannabis sativa, heroin, methamphetamine, tramadol, diazepam, phenobarbitone syrup, and other psychotropic substances.
A breakdown of the seizures showed that cannabis sativa accounted for the largest volume at 106.978 kilograms. Other recoveries included 2,619 capsules of tramadol (100mg), 1.407 kilograms of methamphetamine—equivalent to 303 pinches—0.0589 kilograms of diazepam amounting to 700 tablets, and 480 millilitres of phenobarbitone syrup.
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA commander said the agency also prioritised rehabilitation and counselling.
He noted that four clients were rehabilitated and discharged, while six others were admitted during the period. Currently, 12 clients are undergoing rehabilitation at the command’s facility, with 44 suspects referred to the counselling unit.
Ahamefule reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking in Ebonyi State, warning individuals involved in the illicit drug trade to desist or face the full weight of the law.
He therefore called on residents of Ebonyi State and Nigerians at large to shun drug-related activities, stressing that the NDLEA would continue to intensify enforcement, rehabilitation, and public sensitisation efforts to curb the menace.