NDLEA Drug Arrests: Over 4,800 Nigerians Caught and Illegal Drugs Seized in Three Months

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made major strides in its anti-drug operations in early 2025. In just the first three months of the year, the agency arrested 4,803 people and seized more than 357,000 kilograms of illegal drugs across the country.

Data obtained by our correspondent shows that most of those arrested were men. Out of the 4,803 suspects, 4,324 were male, while 479 were female. During this period, the NDLEA also took 782 cases to court, leading to 1,056 successful convictions—984 of the convicted were men and 72 were women.

The NDLEA drug arrests are only one part of the agency’s efforts. The agency also focused on helping people recover from drug addiction. 

From January to March, 1,955 individuals received counselling, and 373 were fully rehabilitated. In addition, over 510,000 Nigerians were reached through awareness campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse.

These campaigns targeted 247,575 men and 262,536 women, and were delivered through 1,262 sensitisation programmes held across different parts of the country.

In terms of drug seizures, cannabis topped the list, with 233,854.80 kilograms recovered. Other substances seized include 138.39kg of cocaine, 14.19kg of heroin, 52.35kg of methamphetamine, 943.06kg of tramadol, 6.17kg of rohypnol, 66,604.37kg of codeine-based syrup, 320.07kg of diazepam, and 2,878.64kg of various other illegal drugs.

The NDLEA also cleared and destroyed cannabis farms weighing over 252,000 kilograms.

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A monthly breakdown of NDLEA drug arrests and convictions reveals consistent efforts. In January, the agency arrested 1,610 suspects and secured 307 convictions. February saw 1,623 arrests and 351 convictions, while March had 1,570 arrests and 398 convictions.

Despite these efforts, NDLEA officials say more help is needed at the state level. NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Retired), recently raised concerns about the low number of states with working drug control committees.

He explained that only nine states currently have active State Drug Control Committees, which are key to tackling drug abuse at the local level.

Marwa warned that without full support from all states, the fight against drugs would remain difficult. “The fight against drug abuse requires joint efforts, and state governments need to play their part,” he said.

He stressed that states must set up and activate their committees to help tackle the root causes of drug problems in their communities.

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