NDLEA Seizes 1.26 Tonnes Of Illicit Drugs In Enugu, Arrests 446 In Year-Long Crackdown.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Enugu State has delivered a significant blow to drug trafficking, seizing 1.26 tonnes of illicit substances between June 2024 and June 2025. The agency’s relentless efforts also led to the arrest of 446 suspects, with 62 convictions secured and over 450 drug addicts rehabilitated, marking a robust campaign against drug-related crime in the region.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the NDLEA detailed its year-long operation, which targeted a range of illicit drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, and opioids. The agency’s Enugu State Command reported that the seizures, valued at millions of naira, disrupted major trafficking networks operating within and beyond the state. Alongside the arrests, the NDLEA’s rehabilitation programmes provided critical support to more than 450 individuals struggling with addiction, offering counselling and reintegration services.
The NDLEA’s success was further highlighted by its public engagement efforts, reaching over 81,000 people through awareness campaigns aimed at preventing drug abuse. Posts on X echoed the agency’s resolve, with users praising the operation as a “major win” for law enforcement and community safety. One post noted, “NDLEA’s work in Enugu is a game-changer—keeping our streets safer and helping those in need.”
Speaking to reporters, the Enugu State NDLEA Commander emphasised the agency’s commitment to tackling the drug menace. “Our operations have sent a clear message: there’s no place for illicit drugs in Enugu. We’re not just seizing drugs but transforming lives through rehabilitation,” he said. The commander also credited collaboration with local communities and other security agencies for the operation’s success.
The Guardian Nigeria reported that the seizures included a variety of substances, with cannabis being the most prevalent, alongside significant quantities of hard drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine. The arrests ranged from low-level couriers to high-profile traffickers, with the 62 convictions reflecting the NDLEA’s focus on ensuring justice is served.
This milestone comes amid broader efforts to curb drug trafficking across Nigeria, with the NDLEA recently making headlines for dismantling cocaine syndicates in Lagos and intercepting opioids worth over ₦4.3 billion at major ports. The Enugu operation underscores the agency’s nationwide push to disrupt the drug trade while addressing its social impact through rehabilitation and awareness.
As the NDLEA continues its fight, Enugu residents have expressed relief at the agency’s proactive measures. Local leaders have called for sustained efforts, urging the government to bolster funding for anti-drug initiatives. With 1.26 tonnes of drugs off the streets and hundreds of lives touched through rehabilitation, the NDLEA’s work in Enugu stands as a beacon of hope in the battle against drug abuse.
