The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Akwa Ibom State has seized a total of 803.672 kilograms of hard drugs and arrested 312 suspects between May and June 2025.
State Commander of the NDLEA, Mrs. Obot Bassey, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press conference in Uyo to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
She revealed that out of the 312 suspects apprehended, 261 were male and 51 were female. The agency also secured the conviction of 38 drug offenders within the review period.
As part of its rehabilitation efforts, Bassey said the Command treated and rehabilitated 43 male drug-dependent individuals and carried out drug prevention education across 91 locations in the state.
This year’s International Day is themed: “The Evidence Is Clear: Invest in Prevention, #BreakTheCircle”, which she said reflects a deliberate shift from reactive measures to prevention, driven by data, research, and evidence-based strategies.
“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,” Bassey said.
Bassey said that drug abuse was not just a criminal issue but a public health issue, stressing that prevention is a shared responsibility.
She called on parents, educators, religious leaders and community members to join hands in creating a supportive environment that fosters healthy lifestyles and deters drug use.
The Akwa Ibom drug law enforcement commander said that apart from enforcing the laws, they also ensure the protection of the future of Nigerian children.
Bassey reminded the youth that drugs negatively impact people’s health and their well-being in society.
She called on the government, philanthropists, individuals and institutions to invest massively in drug use preventive measures.
The commander commended the state government for their support and appealed for logistics vehicles to the command to enable them to move across the 31 local government areas of the state.
The commander said that this year’s theme calls for the continuation of sustained investment in prevention.
She thanked sister security agencies in the state for their collaboration and cooperation to ensure a drug-free society.