Over 8,000kg of Illicit Drugs Destroyed as NDLEA Launches First Public Disposal Exercise in Yobe

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday conducted the public destruction of 8,166.95 kilogrammes of illicit drugs in Yobe State, marking the first-ever exercise of its kind in the state’s history.

The NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the event as a “historic and symbolic milestone” in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

Represented by Ahmed Ningi, the agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigations, Marwa said the public destruction of the drugs underscored the NDLEA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and public safety.

> “For the first time in Yobe, seized illicit substances that once endangered the peace and future of our people are being publicly destroyed,” he said.
“This exercise not only fulfills a statutory requirement but also stands as a public declaration of victory over criminal enterprise.”

According to Marwa, since the establishment of the NDLEA Yobe Command in 2003, the agency has seized a total of 16,011.13 kilogrammes of illicit substances. These include 13,595.118kg of Cannabis Sativa, 2,475.85kg of psychotropic substances, 0.04kg of cocaine, and 0.012kg of heroin.

Out of these, 8,166.95kg were approved by the Federal High Court, Damaturu, for destruction, while 7,844.18kg remain under legal consideration. The drugs destroyed comprised 6,791.249kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1,375.65kg of psychotropic substances, 0.04kg of cocaine, and 0.012kg of heroin.

Marwa commended the Yobe Command for its significant achievements, including the arrest of 2,345 suspects, 349 convictions, and the rehabilitation of 11 drug-dependent persons, alongside counselling 1,695 others. He also lauded the command’s over 190 sensitisation campaigns in schools, communities, and religious institutions, as well as the establishment of a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Club as part of its preventive strategy.

> “The fight against drug abuse is not the NDLEA’s burden alone — it requires the collective effort of government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the general public,” he stressed.

Marwa expressed gratitude to the Yobe State Government, led by Governor Mai Mala Buni, for its continued support, including the recent donation of a Hilux vehicle to the command. He also appreciated the judiciary, security agencies, and traditional institutions for their ongoing cooperation.

In his remarks, the NDLEA Yobe Commander, Abdulazeez Ogungboye, said the destruction of the seized drugs reflected the leadership of Marwa and the unwavering backing of the state government.

Representing Governor Buni, Deputy Governor Idi Gubana reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to a drug-free Yobe, pledging sustained support for the NDLEA and other security agencies.

> “Drug abuse has been a major driver of crime in our society,” Gubana said.
“We remain dedicated to empowering our youth, supporting rehabilitation, and ensuring Yobe remains free of illicit drugs.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the destroyed substances were verified and certified by the NDLEA Directorate of Forensics before their disposal.