Nigeria's anti-narcotics agency confiscates massive 5.7-ton haul of illicit substances in Kwara, secures convictions for 68 alleged offenders

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kwara State Command, has arrested no fewer than 985 suspected drug traffickers and users in the State, while operatives seized over 5.7 tonnes of illicit substances and secured the conviction of 68 offenders within the last one year.

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The State Commandant of the NDLEA, Fatima Popoola, disclosed this on Wednesday in Ilorin during activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking themed ‘The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses’.

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Popoola said the seizures, made between June 2025 and June 2026, prevented large quantities of dangerous substances from finding their way into communities across the state.

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She revealed that a significant proportion of the arrests and seizures were made along the Ogbomosho-Jebba corridor, describing Kwara as one of Nigeria’s major transit routes for drug trafficking due to its strategic location between the northern and southern parts of the country.

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“Kwara serves as a bridge between the North and the South. That geographical advantage has unfortunately made the state a transit hub for drug trafficking activities.

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“Most of our major arrests are made during patrol operations. Between Ogbomosho and Jebba, we have recorded some of our biggest seizures because traffickers frequently move illicit substances through that route,” she said.

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The commandant disclosed that NDLEA operatives recently intercepted a luxury sport utility vehicle conveying hundreds of kilogrammes of cannabis concealed in hidden compartments.

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Popoola said, “Just last week, we arrested 600 blocks of cannabis weighing 304 kilograms at Jebba in Moro Local Government Area.

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“The vehicle involved was a brand-new V8 Jeep carrying a Federal Government registration plate. Nobody would ordinarily suspect such a vehicle. Some of the drugs were even hidden beneath the seats.”

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According to her, cannabis remains the most commonly abused and trafficked drug in the state, although the agency has also intercepted large consignments of tramadol, skunk, Loud, Colorado, Molly, cough syrups, amphetamine-type stimulants, Rohypnol, Captagon and Tapentadol.

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She expressed concern over the increasing circulation of synthetic and highly potent narcotics, warning that traffickers were constantly adopting new methods to evade law enforcement.

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“Drug traffickers are modernising their operations, and we cannot afford to remain static. We are also upgrading our strategies because criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated,” she said.

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Popoola particularly highlighted the recent seizure of Captagon, a powerful stimulant linked to criminal and terrorist activities in several countries.

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He stated, “The Captagon seizure we made last month was one of the most significant arrests in recent times. It was intercepted on transit along the Ogbomosho-Jebba highway. This is a dangerous stimulant often associated with terrorists and organised criminal groups.”

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She also raised concerns over the growing role of technology in drug trafficking, revealing that criminal syndicates now utilise online platforms and digital channels to market and distribute illicit substances.

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The NDLEA boss recalled a case involving some students of a tertiary institution in Kwara who allegedly baked cannabis into cakes and sold the products through the internet.

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“Last year, we arrested some students who were using cannabis to bake cakes and selling them online. They already had customers patronising them,” she said.

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Popoola further warned about the emergence of clandestine laboratories used for the illegal production of methamphetamine in Nigeria.

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She noted that NDLEA recently uncovered another illegal methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State, describing the development as evidence of the changing nature of the country’s drug challenge.

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While highlighting enforcement efforts, the commander stressed that the agency was equally focused on treatment, rehabilitation and prevention.

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She said 29 drug-dependent persons were admitted into the command’s rehabilitation facility during the review period, while 28 successfully completed treatment and reintegrated into society.

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“In addition, 213 drug users received brief intervention services, while our officers carried out extensive sensitisation campaigns in schools and communities across the state,” she said.

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Popoola also commended the Kwara State Government for introducing drug integrity tests for students and newly recruited teachers.

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He said, “About 10,000 students have undergone drug testing in Kwara State, while approximately 2,000 newly recruited teachers were also screened. This is one of the best preventive measures any government can adopt.”

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The commandant, however, lamented inadequate operational logistics, saying the command was struggling with limited vehicles and mobility resources despite increasing responsibilities.

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Calling for stronger community participation, Popoola urged parents to monitor their children more closely and challenged residents to report suspicious drug-related activities.

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“Parents must pay attention to their children, especially students living off-campus. Communities also have a role to play. We cannot be everywhere at the same time.

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“If you see something, say something. Our toll-free helpline, 080010203040, is available 24 hours a day for reports, counselling and referrals,” he stated.

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Speaking at the event, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, described the scale of the seizures as alarming and praised the NDLEA for preventing the drugs from reaching the streets.

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She said, “Imagine if these substances had found their way into our communities and schools. The consequences would have been devastating.

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“Just look at the V8 Jeep used to transport drugs. Without credible intelligence, many people would never have suspected it. The NDLEA deserves commendation for these achievements.”

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Olukoju assured the agency of continued government support and called on media organisations to intensify public enlightenment campaigns against drug abuse.

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“The figures released today are huge. The government will continue to support the NDLEA, and we must all work together to protect our young people from the dangers of drug abuse,” she added.

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