NDLEA Arrests 312, Seizes 800kg of Drugs in Akwa Ibom Over 11 Months

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Akwa Ibom State has arrested 312 suspects and seized a total of 803.672 kilograms of hard drugs between June 2024 and May 2025.

The state commander, Mrs. Obot Bassey, disclosed this on Tuesday in Uyo during a press briefing to mark the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The event, themed “The Evidence Is Clear: Invest In Prevention, #BreakTheCircle”, highlighted the shift from reactive to preventive approaches in tackling drug abuse.

According to Bassey, the arrested suspects included 261 males and 51 females. She added that the agency successfully prosecuted and secured convictions against 38 drug offenders within the same period.

Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA also treated and rehabilitated 43 male individuals suffering from drug addiction and delivered drug abuse prevention education across 91 different locations in the state. An additional 179 people received professional counselling.

She stressed that addressing drug abuse should not be seen merely as a law enforcement issue but as a significant public health concern requiring collective effort from parents, educators, faith leaders, and communities.

“This year’s theme underscores the importance of shifting from reactive measures to proactive investment in prevention, grounded in research and data,” she said.

Bassey appealed to philanthropists, government bodies, and institutions to provide greater funding and logistical support for preventive efforts, including the provision of operational vehicles to help NDLEA operatives cover the state’s 31 local government areas effectively.

She expressed gratitude to partner security agencies for their continued collaboration and reiterated that protecting Nigerian youth from drug abuse is a shared duty crucial to the nation’s future.