In what has been described as the first such exercise in the state’s history, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) on Tuesday carried out the public destruction of 8,166.95 kilogrammes of illicit substances seized in Yobe.
The breakdown of the exhibits destroyed includes 6,791.249 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa, 1,375.65 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances, 0.04 kilogrammes of cocaine, and 0.012 kilogrammes of heroin.
The Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Marwa, described the exercise as a “historic and symbolic milestone” in the war against drug abuse.
Marwa , who was represented by the agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigations, Ahmed Ningi, said the destruction of the drugs demonstrated transparency, accountability, and the NDLEA’s firm commitment to ensuring that seized substances never find their way back into circulation.
“For the first time in Yobe, seized illicit substances that once threatened the safety, peace, and future of our people are being publicly destroyed.
“This exercise is not only a statutory requirement but a public demonstration of victory over criminal enterprise,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA boss who disclosed that the Yobe Command of theagency, since its creation in 2003, had seized a total of 16,011.13 kilogrammes of illicit drugs, also explained that they included 13,595.118 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa, 2,475.85 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances, 0.04 kilogrammes of cocaine, and 0.012 kilogrammes of heroin.
Out of these, he said, “8,166.95 kilogrammes were approved by the Federal High Court, Damaturu, for destruction, while the remaining 7,844.18 kilogrammes were still pending before the court.”
He commended the NDLEA Yobe command for its achievements, which included the arrest of 2,345 suspects, securing 349 convictions, and rehabilitating 11 drug-dependent persons, while counselling 1,695 others.
He added that the command had also conducted over 190 sensitisation campaigns in schools, communities, and religious institutions across the state, and established a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Club as part of its demand reduction strategy.
“The fight against drugs is not for NDLEA alone; it is a collective responsibility requiring the active support of government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the general public,” he said.
Marwa also appreciated the Yobe Government under Gov. Mai Mala Buni for its continuous support to the NDLEA, including the recent donation of a Hilux vehicle to the state command.
