NDLEA Kwara Arrests Over 1,000, Seizes 1.8 Tonnes of Drugs in Six Months
The Kwara State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it aarrested 1,025 drug suspects and seizure of 1,864 kilograms of illicit substances within the first half of 2025.
Commander Popoola Fatima, who disclosed this in Ilorin during a press briefing to mark the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, said the arrests included 934 males and 91 females.
She also confirmed that 149 convictions were secured during the period through the Federal High Court in Ilorin.
Fatima noted that 36 individuals had been admitted for rehabilitation, with 25 successfully treated and reintegrated into society, while eight others are currently undergoing treatment.
“Drug abuse is a growing crisis that threatens families, weakens communities and undermines national development,” she warned. “Everyone has a role to play in breaking this chain. It is not just the job of the NDLEA.”
She revealed that the agency has partnered with Kwara State University to introduce drug screening for new students and collaborated with the state government to test newly recruited teachers.
According to her, these preventive strategies are aimed at curbing the spread of substance abuse at the early stages.
In line with this year’s theme, “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All,” the NDLEA has outlined awareness activities including Jumat and church services, rallies, and sensitisation visits to schools and communities across the state.
Also speaking, Pharmacist Barakat Olarewaju, Chairperson of the Kwara State Drug Control Committee, highlighted the impact of the state’s collaboration with NDLEA.
She said the committee had reached over 100 schools and 32 communities across the 16 local government areas.
“We’ve made progress, but the work is far from done. We urgently appeal to the state government to complete the construction of the Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Rehabilitation Centre. This facility is crucial for those who need help and a path to recovery,” she said.
The event sets the tone for intensified efforts in the fight against drug abuse across Kwara State.
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