The Bauchi State Command of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has seized more than 2.2 tonnes of illicit drugs and intensified its crackdown on traffickers since October 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday to mark the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the State Commander, Commander of Narcotics Hassan Yaqub, said the command recovered 2,248.591 kilograms of assorted narcotics in the last seven months.
According to him, the seizures included Cannabis sativa, methamphetamine (ICE), Rohypnol, crack cocaine, tramadol, codeine cough syrup and other psychotropic substances.
Yaqub said the event, themed “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” provided an opportunity to review the command’s performance in combating drug trafficking and abuse.
“Today is another opportunity for us to assess our operations and determine whether we are doing enough in our collective efforts to tackle drug abuse and trafficking in Bauchi State and its environs,” he said.
The commander maintained that drug abuse remains a major driver of criminal activities, stressing that families continue to bear the consequences.
“There is a clear nexus between drugs and crime. Families are losing their loved ones to drug abuse. That is why everyone must join hands with us to confront this menace,” Yaqub said.
Describing illicit drugs as “the gateway to many crimes,” he assured residents that the command would not relent in its enforcement efforts.
“We remain resolute and committed to arresting drug traffickers, seizing illicit substances and confiscating properties linked to this criminal enterprise. We will not be distracted by anyone in carrying out our lawful duties,” he stated.
Reflecting on his seven months in office since assuming leadership of the command on October 31, 2025, Yaqub attributed the achievements to the dedication and resilience of the agency’s officers and personnel.
“The successes recorded so far are a product of the hard work, commitment and resilience of our officers. We will continue to intensify our operations and achieve even greater results,” he said.
The NDLEA boss also issued a stern warning to drug dealers operating in the state.
“Bauchi State is going to be much hotter for drug dealers and their collaborators in the coming months. We urge all stakeholders to support us in driving these criminal elements out of the state,” he warned.
Providing an update on prosecutions, Yaqub disclosed that the command has secured 79 convictions, while 74 cases are pending in court. He added that 105 fresh cases have been filed, with 12 suspects currently in detention.
He also revealed that operatives uncovered a Cannabis sativa plantation in Bogoro Local Government Area, where one suspect was arrested and 108 kilograms of cannabis were recovered.
On rehabilitation efforts, Yaqub said the command had continued to provide treatment and counselling for persons with drug dependence.
“Between November 2025 and June 2026, we successfully treated and rehabilitated 67 persons with drug dependence, while 12 others are currently undergoing residential counselling and rehabilitation,” he said.
Highlighting the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, the commander said the command had organised more than 300 sensitisation programmes in schools, churches, mosques, motor parks and other public places across the state.
“Through these campaigns, we have reached about 1.5 million people across Bauchi metropolis and the 20 local government areas of the state,” he added.
Yaqub concluded by appreciating the media, community pharmacists, the Bauchi State Government, National Youth Service Corps members and other stakeholders for their continued partnership in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.