The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday made history in Yobe State with the public destruction of over 8,000 kilogrammes of illicit drugs, signaling a major milestone in the state’s fight against substance abuse and trafficking.
The exercise, which took place in Damaturu, the state capital, involved the incineration of 8,166.95 kilogrammes of assorted narcotics, ranging from cannabis sativa and psychotropic substances to other controlled drugs seized during various operations across the state.
According to the NDLEA, this marks the first-ever public destruction of seized drugs in Yobe since the creation of the state.
A Symbolic Step in the Anti-Drug War
The Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Retired Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), described the event as a “historic and symbolic milestone” in the nation’s ongoing war against drug abuse and trafficking.
Marwa, who was represented at the event by Ahmed Ningi, the agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigations, said the destruction demonstrated the NDLEA’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and public trust in its operations.
“This exercise is not only symbolic but also a clear message that the NDLEA is determined to ensure that all illicit substances seized from drug dealers never find their way back into circulation,” he stated.
He emphasized that the destruction of the seized drugs was in full compliance with the provisions of the law, which mandates that all exhibits confirmed by competent courts of law be disposed of publicly to reinforce accountability and prevent diversion.
NDLEA’s Transparency and Integrity
The NDLEA boss noted that the agency has consistently prioritized transparency in handling confiscated drugs across Nigeria. He said the public destruction of seized drugs in Yobe was a continuation of a similar trend witnessed in other states, including Lagos, Kano, Rivers, and FCT Abuja, where the agency has incinerated thousands of tonnes of narcotics over the past few years.
“Our message to the public and to drug traffickers is clear — we are resolute, relentless, and uncompromising in our mission to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs. Every gram destroyed today represents lives saved, communities restored, and futures reclaimed,” Marwa said.
He further praised NDLEA officers in Yobe for their dedication, resilience, and professionalism in the face of difficult conditions, especially in the state’s border communities where drug trafficking often intersects with security challenges.
The Fight Against Drug Abuse in Yobe
Speaking earlier, the NDLEA Commander in Yobe State, [insert commander’s name if known], highlighted the agency’s efforts in tackling the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking in the state. He said the substances destroyed were recovered during various raids, arrests, and interceptions carried out between 2021 and 2025.
“These drugs were seized during our sustained operations across Yobe. The total weight amounts to 8,166.95 kilogrammes of assorted illicit substances,” he disclosed.
He added that the agency had intensified its community engagement, youth sensitization, and school-based drug education campaigns to address the root causes of drug abuse, particularly among young people.
According to him, the NDLEA in Yobe has also strengthened partnerships with the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to improve intelligence sharing and operational coordination.
Yobe Government Commends NDLEA
Representatives of the Yobe State Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, and civil society groups attended the event.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, [insert name if available], who represented Governor Mai Mala Buni, commended the NDLEA for its proactive approach and assured the agency of the state’s continued support in combating drug abuse and trafficking.
He said, “The government of Yobe State recognizes that drug abuse is a serious social and security problem. It fuels crime, destabilizes families, and threatens our youth. This public destruction exercise is not only symbolic but also reassuring that progress is being made.”
He also emphasized that the state government was committed to supporting NDLEA’s efforts through rehabilitation programmes, youth empowerment schemes, and awareness campaigns, aimed at reducing the demand for drugs and helping addicts reintegrate into society.
Community and Religious Leaders Join the Call
Traditional and religious leaders present at the ceremony echoed the need for collective responsibility in curbing drug abuse.
The Emir of Damaturu, represented by one of his council members, urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to take a more active role in monitoring young people and discouraging the use of hard drugs.
He said, “No government or agency can win this war alone. It starts from the home. We must bring up our children with discipline and faith-based values that keep them away from drugs.”
Religious leaders from both Muslim and Christian communities in the state also commended NDLEA for leading the charge, while urging youths to embrace meaningful pursuits and avoid peer pressure that leads to substance abuse.
NDLEA’s Expanding Mandate and National Achievements
The NDLEA under Marwa’s leadership has intensified its nationwide campaign against drug trafficking and abuse. Since 2021, the agency has recorded over 45,000 arrests, secured more than 8,000 convictions, and seized hundreds of tonnes of illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, cannabis, methamphetamine, and tramadol.
In addition to enforcement, the agency has also focused on drug demand reduction, rolling out nationwide rehabilitation and awareness programmes such as the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.
Yobe’s first public drug destruction, according to observers, represents a major step in decentralizing NDLEA’s anti-drug operations and reinforcing its presence in all regions of the country, especially in the Northeast, where drug trafficking often fuels insecurity and insurgency.
Renewed Hope for a Drug-Free Yobe
Residents and youth organizations in Yobe have welcomed the NDLEA’s action, describing it as a morale booster in the state’s ongoing effort to curb drug-related crimes.
A youth leader, [insert name if available], said, “For the first time, we are seeing the results of NDLEA’s operations in a very visible way. It gives us hope that the system works and that Yobe can be drug-free.”
As the flames consumed the 8,166.95 kilogrammes of narcotics, NDLEA officials reiterated that the agency’s fight would continue until every community in Yobe — and indeed Nigeria — is free from the scourge of drug abuse.
Marwa’s representative summed up the message in one sentence:
“Today, we burn these drugs; tomorrow, we build a safer, healthier, and more productive Nigeria.”
