The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Benue State arrested 251 people in connection with drug-related crimes throughout 2024. The State Commander, Esther Musa, shared the details with journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi, the state capital.
Musa noted that out of the total arrests, 220 were men, while 31 were women. She also revealed that 31 of the suspects had been convicted and sentenced to various jail terms. Meanwhile, 39 cases were dropped, and the remaining cases are still ongoing.
The NDLEA made several drug seizures over the year, taking large quantities of illegal substances off the streets. Musa stated that cannabis sativa, commonly known as weed, was the most frequently seized drug, with officers confiscating over a ton (175.723 kg).
Other substances removed from circulation included Tramadol (43 kg), Fitamin (0.27 kg), Diazopharm (4.39 kg), and Codeine syrup (156.1 kg).
Additionally, law enforcement recovered locally made pistols, ammunition, and explosives. These items were later handed over to the appropriate security agencies, including the army and police.
Musa explained that aside from arrests and seizures, the agency also focused on awareness campaigns through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative. The program was designed to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse, trafficking, and cultivation.
She noted that NDLEA conducted 142 sensitization programs in 2024, with most sessions taking place in schools and religious centers.
