National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Adamawa State has dismantled a seven-hectare cannabis plantation and apprehended 58 individuals in a sweeping operation carried out throughout September.
At a press briefing in Yola on Friday, the state Commander of Narcotics, Mr. Aliyu Abubakar, confirmed the arrests, which included 56 men and two women. Five of the suspects were nabbed during the destruction of the cannabis farm in Mijilu village, Mubi North Local Government Area, an operation conducted with the backing of soldiers and members of the local community.
The agency also seized a substantial haul of illicit substances, including 366.8 kilograms of cannabis sativa, 209.8 kilograms of psychotropic drugs, and 11.6 kilograms of methamphetamine, along with four vehicles and a motorcycle used in transporting the drugs.
Abubakar highlighted a significant bust on September 1, when NDLEA operatives intercepted a Honda Pilot SUV in Lamurde, loaded with over 500 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa.
“The items were loaded from Akure, Ondo State, and destined for Mubi in Adamawa,” he said.
“A controlled delivery led to the arrest of two siblings, while a further search at their residence in Mubi uncovered 40 additional blocks of cannabis.”
He identified one of the suspects as Suleiman Mohammed, a repeat offender and well-known drug dealer in the region.
“The three suspects will be charged to court accordingly,” Abubakar added.
In another raid conducted in the Farauta area, NDLEA agents recovered 131 kilograms of psychotropic substances and impounded a Toyota Sienna believed to be used in drug transportation.
Beyond enforcement, Abubakar shared updates on the command’s rehabilitation efforts. During the month, 70 individuals struggling with drug dependency, mostly aged between 18 and 43, received intensive counselling and follow-up care aimed at reintegrating them into society.
The agency also intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, reaching schools and religious institutions in eight locations with sensitisation programmes.
“In line with the Federal Government’s drug integrity test policy, 25 individuals were screened during the period,” Abubakar said.
“The test is preventive, not punitive. It ensures people in critical positions are free from substance abuse.”
He thanked the command’s officers, partner security agencies, and the public for their support, calling on residents to continue providing credible information that can help tackle drug trafficking in the state.
