NDLEA Seizes Over 1,396kg of Drugs, Arrests 150 in Adamawa
By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Adamawa State Command, has intensified its crackdown on illicit drug activities, recording the seizure of more than 1,396 kilograms of narcotics and the arrest of 150 suspects in December 2025.
The State Commander, Aliyu Abubakar, made this known at the weekend during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Yola. He described the operations as a major boost to efforts aimed at protecting young people from drug abuse and related crimes.
According to Abubakar, the achievements were the result of intelligence-driven raids and surveillance conducted at strategic locations across the state, including the Lamido Aliyu Mustapha International Airport. He said several drug joints were dismantled and large consignments of illicit substances intercepted during the operations.
The commander disclosed that the seized drugs included 353 kilograms of cannabis sativa, 983 kilograms of tramadol, and 60.5 kilograms of other opioids. He added that the exercise led to 150 arrests, six convictions, and 53 cases currently undergoing prosecution.
Beyond enforcement, Abubakar said the command carried out six War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization programmes, offered counselling and rehabilitation services to 39 individuals, seized two vehicles, destroyed one hectare of cannabis farms, and forfeited N163,170 to the federal government.
He attributed the continued spread of drug trafficking and abuse to economic hardship, the attraction of quick wealth, the glamorisation of illicit lifestyles, and the erosion of family values that expose youths to negative influences.
Abubakar warned that drug abuse poses grave dangers to Adamawa State, noting its impact on public health through addiction and mental illness, its contribution to insecurity such as banditry, kidnapping and terrorism, its effect on economic productivity, and the loss of young lives with great potential.
The NDLEA boss identified major cannabis cultivation hotspots in Daglaji, Waziri and Alkali villages in Tongo Local Government Area; Mijulu village in Mubi North; Bogga village in Gella under Mubi South; as well as several communities in Lamurde Local Government Area, including Tinno, Negga, Salti, Bashaka, Ngyakan, Tinno Ruwan Zafi and Kabawa.
Describing drug syndicates as well organised and dangerous, Abubakar urged community leaders, religious and traditional rulers, parents and youth groups to remain alert and report suspicious activities to the nearest NDLEA office.
“These individuals are not businessmen; they are merchants of death trading in human suffering for profit,” he said.
He credited the command’s achievements to the leadership of the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), whose intelligence-led approach, he noted, has strengthened the agency nationwide. Abubakar also commended Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, for his sustained support, including the donation of two IVM pickup vehicles that boosted operational efficiency.
The commander praised NDLEA officers for their courage and dedication, noting that they operate under challenging and often dangerous conditions. He warned drug traffickers to stay away from Adamawa, declaring the state “hostile territory” for illicit drug activities and vowing sustained enforcement, arrests and prosecution.
