The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Adamawa State Command, has seized 1,396 kilograms of illicit drugs and arrested 150 suspects in December 2025.
The state Commander, Aliyu Abubakar, disclosed this at the weekend during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Yola.
He said the seizure and arrest, represent a major step towards safeguarding youths from drug abuse and criminal exploitation.
Abubakar explained that the successes recorded by the command were achieved through intelligence-led raids and surveillance across key locations, including the Lamido Aliyu Mustapha International Airport, Yola, which led to the dismantling of several drug joints and the interception of large consignments of narcotics.
He said the seized drugs comprised 353 kilograms of cannabis sativa, 983 kilograms of tramadol, and 60.5 kilograms of other opioids.
According to him, the operations resulted in 150 arrests, six convictions, and 53 cases currently undergoing prosecution.
In addition to enforcement activities, the commander said the command conducted six War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy programmes, provided counselling and rehabilitation services to 39 individuals, seized two vehicles, destroyed one hectare of cannabis farms, and forfeited N163,170 to the federal government.
Abubakar attributed the persistence of drug trafficking and abuse to economic hardship, the lure of quick wealth, the glamorization of illicit lifestyles, and weakening family values that leave youths vulnerable to negative influences.
He warned that drug abuse poses serious threats to Adamawa State, citing public health challenges such as addiction and mental illness, rising insecurity linked to crimes including banditry, kidnapping and terrorism, economic decline caused by a weakened workforce, and the loss of young lives with great potential.
The NDLEA boss identified major cannabis cultivation hotspots in Daglaji, Waziri and Alkali villages in Tongo Local Government Area; Mijulu Village in Mubi North; Bogga Village in Gella under Mubi South; and several communities in Lamurde Local Government Area, including Tinno, Negga, Salti, Bashaka, Ngyakan, Tinno Ruwan Zafi and Kabawa.
Describing drug syndicates as highly organized and dangerous, Abubakar called on community leaders, religious and traditional rulers, parents and youth groups to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest NDLEA office.
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“These individuals are not businessmen; they are merchants of death trading in human suffering for profit,” he said.
Abubakar credited the achievements of the command to the leadership of the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd.), noting that his intelligence-driven strategy has strengthened the agency’s operations nationwide.
He also commended Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, for his continued support, including the donation of two IVM pick-up vehicles that enhanced operational efficiency.
The commander praised NDLEA officers for their courage and commitment, stressing that they work under difficult and often dangerous conditions.
He warned drug traffickers to stay away from Adamawa, declaring the state “hostile territory” for illicit drug activities and vowing sustained enforcement and prosecution.
