NDLEA arrests 985 drug suspects in Kwara, convicts 68

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kwara State Command, has arrested about 985 suspected drug traffickers and users in the state. In the past year, they seized over 5.7 tonnes of illegal drugs and convicted 68 offenders.

Fatima Popoola, the State Commandant of the NDLEA, shared this information on Wednesday in Ilorin. This announcement came during activities for the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking. The theme for this year is ‘The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.’

Popoola stated that the seizures made between June 2025 and June 2026 stopped many dangerous drugs from entering communities in Kwara. She mentioned that many arrests and seizures occurred along the Ogbomosho-Jebba corridor. She described Kwara as a major route for drug trafficking because of its location between the northern and southern parts of Nigeria.

"Kwara serves as a bridge between the North and the South. That geographical advantage has unfortunately made the state a transit hub for drug trafficking activities," she said. "Most of our major arrests are made during patrol operations. Between Ogbomosho and Jebba, we have recorded some of our biggest seizures because traffickers frequently move illegal drugs through that route."

Popoola revealed that NDLEA operatives recently stopped a luxury sport utility vehicle carrying hundreds of kilograms of cannabis hidden in special compartments. She said, "Just last week, we arrested 600 blocks of cannabis weighing 304 kilograms at Jebba in Moro Local Government Area. The vehicle involved was a brand-new V8 Jeep carrying a Federal Government registration plate. Nobody would ordinarily suspect such a vehicle. Some of the drugs were even hidden beneath the seats."

Cannabis remains the most abused and trafficked drug in the state. The agency also intercepted large amounts of tramadol, skunk, Loud, Colorado, Molly, cough syrups, amphetamine-type stimulants, Rohypnol, Captagon, and Tapentadol. Popoola expressed worry about the growing circulation of synthetic and strong narcotics. She warned that traffickers were finding new ways to evade law enforcement.

"Drug traffickers are modernising their operations, and we cannot afford to remain static. We are also upgrading our strategies because criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated," she said. Popoola highlighted the recent seizure of Captagon, a potent stimulant linked to crime and terrorism in some countries.

She stated, "The Captagon seizure we made last month was one of the most significant arrests in recent times. It was intercepted on transit along the Ogbomosho-Jebba highway. This is a dangerous stimulant often associated with terrorists and organized criminal groups."

Popoola also raised concerns about technology's role in drug trafficking. She revealed that criminal groups now use online platforms and digital channels to sell drugs. She recalled a case where some students in Kwara baked cannabis into cakes and sold them online.

"Last year, we arrested some students who were using cannabis to bake cakes and selling them online. They already had customers patronising them," she said. Popoola warned about the rise of hidden laboratories for illegal methamphetamine production in Nigeria.

She noted that the NDLEA recently found another illegal methamphetamine lab in Ogun State. She described this as proof of the changing nature of the country’s drug problem. While discussing enforcement efforts, the commandant said the agency is also focusing on treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention.

She said 29 drug-dependent individuals were admitted into the command’s rehabilitation facility during the review period. Meanwhile, 28 successfully completed treatment and returned to society. "In addition, 213 drug users received brief intervention services, while our officers carried out extensive sensitisation campaigns in schools and communities across the state," she stated.

Popoola praised the Kwara State Government for introducing drug tests for students and newly recruited teachers. She said, "About 10,000 students have undergone drug testing in Kwara State, while approximately 2,000 newly recruited teachers were also screened. This is one of the best preventive measures any government can adopt."

However, she complained about insufficient operational logistics. She said the command struggles with limited vehicles and resources despite increasing responsibilities. Popoola called for stronger community involvement. She urged parents to keep a close eye on their children and asked residents to report any suspicious drug activities.

"Parents must pay attention to their children, especially students living off-campus. Communities also have a role to play. We cannot be everywhere at the same time. If you see something, say something. Our toll-free helpline, 080010203040, is available 24 hours a day for reports, counselling, and referrals," she stated.

At the event, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, described the number of seizures as alarming. She praised the NDLEA for stopping the drugs from reaching the streets. She said, "Imagine if these substances had found their way into our communities and schools. The consequences would have been devastating."

She pointed out the V8 Jeep used to transport the drugs. She said, "Without credible intelligence, many people would never have suspected it. The NDLEA deserves commendation for these achievements." Olukoju assured the agency of continued government support. She also called on media organizations to ramp up public awareness campaigns against drug abuse.

"The figures released today are huge. The government will continue to support the NDLEA, and we must all work together to protect our young people from the dangers of drug abuse," she added.