The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Akwa Ibom State has apprehended 312 individuals and seized 803.672 kilograms of illicit drugs between June 2024 and May 2025.
The agency’s commander, Mrs. Obot Bassey, revealed this information on Tuesday during a press briefing in Uyo, the state capital, in commemoration of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The event was themed “The Evidence Is Clear: Invest In Prevention, #Break the Circle.”
Bassey explained that the arrests included 261 males and 51 females, and that 38 drug offenders had been prosecuted and convicted during the period under review.
She further mentioned that the command rehabilitated 43 male drug-dependent individuals and carried out drug education campaigns at 91 different locations across the state.
“From June 2024 to May 2025, we have arrested 312 suspects, made up of 261 males and 51 females, and we have seized a quantity of drugs, 803.672 kg.
“We have prosecuted and convicted 38 drug offenders and we have carried out drug addiction prevention at 91 locations across Akwa Ibom State and we have rehabilitated 43 males and counselled 179 persons,” she said.
The commander noted that the focus of this year’s theme is to move from merely reacting to drug issues to prevention based on strategy, data, and research, rather than assumptions.
She emphasized that drug abuse should not be seen solely as a criminal matter, but also as a public health concern, highlighting that prevention is a collective duty.
She urged parents, educators, religious and community leaders to collaborate in building an environment that supports healthy choices and discourages substance use.
Bassey stated that the agency’s role extends beyond law enforcement, as they are committed to protecting the future of Nigerian children.
She reminded young people of the harmful effects of drug use on both personal health and social well-being.
Calling for greater support, she encouraged the government, private individuals, philanthropists, and institutions to significantly invest in preventive drug programs.
Bassey appreciated the Akwa Ibom State Government for its backing and appealed for logistics vehicles to help the agency carry out its work across all 31 LGAs in the state.
She added that the current theme urges for continued and sustained funding of prevention initiatives.
The commander also expressed gratitude to sister security agencies in the state for their consistent cooperation and teamwork in the ongoing effort to eliminate drug abuse.
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