Adamawa Marks 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse with Renewed Focus on Prevention
By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola
The Adamawa State Government, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Wednesday commemorated the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a strong message centered on treatment,and community-based action.
The event emphasized the global theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” alongside the rallying call to “Break the Cycle” of addiction, trafficking, and related criminal activity.
Addressing the press at the briefing,The Adamawa State NDLEA Commander Bar. Aliyu Abubakar CN detailed that over 4 tonnes of illicit drugs were seized between June 2024 and June 2025. A total of 583 suspects 563 males and 20 females were arrested.
The substances seized include Cannabis Sativa (marijuana), methamphetamine (popularly known as ice or mkpuru mmiri), Tramadol, and other controlled substances weighing over 3,989.6 kilograms.
The command also secured convictions for 225 drug offenders, with proceeds of crime amounting to N1,213,875 forfeited to the Federal Government. In addition, six vehicles used for drug-related activities were confiscated and permanently forfeited to the government.
On the rehabilitation front, 53 drug-dependent individuals 51 males and 2 females received treatment, with six cases of relapse recorded.
Highlighting the need for preventive strategies,unveiled the state’s collaboration with NDLEA in establishing Operation Farauta, a joint task force aimed at flushing out criminal elements linked to drug abuse.
it was clearly announced that the state, through the Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development, as well as Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, organized a two-day stakeholders’ engagement to strengthen grassroots advocacy.
Drug integrity tests were administered across various institutions, a move aimed at discouraging drug dependence in employment, education, marriage, and social settings.
Despite progress, the state faces persistent challenges, including the rise of synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, dangerously altered cannabis products such as Arizona Loud (often laced with formaldehyde and glass particles), and widespread Tramadol abuse referred to by many as the “poor man’s heroin.”
The health impacts have been alarming, with rising cases of psychosis, violence, and cardiovascular incidents linked to drug abuse. The NDLEA also expressed concern about the role of drug trafficking in funding terrorism and banditry, citing reports of insurgents trading Tramadol for weapons.
Under the 2025/2026 Action Plan, the state government announced plans to institutionalize drug prevention desks across all secondary schools through the Ministry of Education. At least 1,000 teachers will be trained and certified by NDLEA as Prevention Ambassadors.
The NDLEA and Adamawa State Government called on all stakeholders, including civil society, religious bodies, and local communities, to commit to evidence-based prevention strategies to safeguard the state’s youth and future.
“As we commemorate this day, we reaffirm our resolve to break the cycle of drug abuse and create a healthier, safer, and more productive Adamawa State,”
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