The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 25 tons of illicit drugs in Kogi State, warning of their potential impact on insecurity if allowed to circulate.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed this on Wednesday in Lokoja during a public destruction exercise.
He was represented by Ahmed Suleiman Ningi, NDLEA’s Director of Operations and General Investigation.
Marwa highlighted that the 25,000 kilograms of illicit substances, if left unchecked, could further fuel security challenges in the country, particularly in Kogi State.
Breakdown of Destroyed Drugs
Providing details of the destruction, Marwa said the seized drugs included:
- Cannabis Sativa – 20,000.316kg
- Tramadol – 476.864kg
- Rohypnol – 13.045kg
- Diazepam – 151.319kg
- Exol-5 – 648.683kg
- Pentazocine injection – 361.650kg
- Cocaine – 1.888kg
- Codeine-based syrup – 2,393.94kg
- MDMA – 0.305kg
- Diazepam injection – 1.100kg
- Tramadol injection – 2.800kg
- Methamphetamine – 34.208kg
- Heroin – 0.215kg
- Morphine – 1.700kg
- Ketamine – 3.600kg
- Cocodamol – 1.300kg
- Midazolam – 3.700kg
- Akuskura (NPS) – 1,132.600kg
The total weight of the destroyed substances amounted to 25,229.238kg, Marwa confirmed.
Nigeria’s Drug Abuse Crisis
Citing the 2018 National Drug Use Survey, Marwa raised concerns over the country’s high drug abuse rates.
According to him, 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 abuse drugs, with 10.6 million specifically using cannabis, placing Nigeria among the nations with the highest cannabis abuse rates.
“The statistics are worrisome when considering their health and security implications,” he said.
“Since assuming office in January 2021, NDLEA has doubled its efforts and aggressively pursued its mandate to curb drug abuse.”
Kogi Government Expresses Concern
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by the State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara (retd.), emphasized the state government’s commitment to tackling drug abuse.
He assured that his administration remains concerned about the prevalence of illicit drugs and their impact on the security and well-being of residents.
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