NDLEA records major drug busts in Bauchi within four months

By Ahmed Kaigama

The Bauchi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has seized 2,115.8 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and secured 35 convictions within four months.

Mr Hassan Yaqub, the State Commander of the Agency, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Bauchi.

He attributed the feat to sustained intelligence gathering, professionalism and strategic deployment of personnel across the state.

“Since I took over on Oct. 31, 2025, we have recorded unprecedented arrests and seizures.

“So far, we have seized 2,115.8kg of assorted drugs within Bauchi metropolis and other parts of the state,” he said.

Yaqub explained that within the first three weeks of his assumption to office, the command intercepted over one tonne of illicit substances in a major operations.

He added that another seizure of over one tonne was recorded a few days ago.

According to him, 187 suspects were arrested in connection with drug-related offences during the period under review.

“Most of the suspects have been arraigned in court. We have secured 35 convictions, while about 15 cases are still pending,” he said.

The commander said that no casualty was recorded during the operations, adding that thorough intelligence and careful planning had ensured safe and successful raids.

He said the command currently had about 12 persons undergoing treatment at its facility.

Yaqub clarified that admissions into the rehabilitation centre were voluntary, and initiated by parents or guardians seeking help for their wards.

“We ensure proper documentation in line with human rights provisions. Some clients have been discharged after successful rehabilitation,” he said.

The commander reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ridding the state of drug abuse and trafficking.

He said that enforcement would cut across all segments of society.

Yaqub added that the command had intensified advocacy and sensitisation campaigns in schools, mosques, churches, motor parks and other public places to educate residents on the dangers of drug abuse.

He lamented that the command lacked operational vehicles to carry out its operations, appealing for move vehicles to sustain its operations of curbing the menace of drugs abuse and trafficking.

He assured residents that the agency would continue to operate within the ambit of the law to safeguard communities.

(NAN)