The Kogi State Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commended the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for its sustained support in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.
The commendation was made during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Lokoja where the Command hailed the inauguration of the Kogi State Drug Control Committee to strengthen advocacy and stakeholder engagement among other initiatives to combat drug abuse and trafficking by the state government.
The event drew stakeholders from security agencies, government institutions, traditional rulers, students and civil society organizations who renewed calls for a drug-free society.
Speaking at the event, the Commander of the NDLEA Kogi Strategic Command, Umar Yahuza, said the theme of the 2026 commemoration, “World Drug Problems: Persistent Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” underscores the need for sustained collaboration and innovative strategies to tackle the growing menace of illicit drugs.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking through stronger inter-agency collaboration, intensified public sensitization and rehabilitation programmes.
The NDLEA Commander disclosed that between June 2025 and June 2026, the command arrested 386 suspected drug offenders and seized 8,997 kilograms of illicit substances, including cannabis sativa, methamphetamine, cocaine, tramadol, codeine-based syrup and other psychotropic drugs.
According to him, the command also took custody of three suspects and three Toyota Camry vehicles conveying 566 kilograms of cannabis handed over by the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army in Lokoja.
He noted that the suspects are currently standing trial before the Federal High Court in Lokoja.
Yahuza further commended the Kogi State Government for its unwavering support, describing the inauguration of the State Drug Control Committee as a significant step towards strengthening drug control advocacy and mobilising critical stakeholders in the campaign against substance abuse.
Representing the Commander of the 12 Brigade, the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Muhammed Buhari reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to supporting the NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking of illicit substances, pledging to sustain surveillance operations at checkpoints and maintain zero tolerance for drug trafficking, which he described as a major driver of insecurity across the country.
Also speaking, the representative of the Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Operations Sadisu Umar Tafida, commended the cordial relationship among security agencies and assured the NDLEA of the continued partnership of Nigeria Police Force to combat drug trafficking.
He expressed confidence that the existing synergy would further strengthen efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse in Kogi State.
