By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Niger State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Natio...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Niger State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against illicit drug abuse, drug trafficking, and youth restiveness across the state.
The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, made this known while representing Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago at the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held at the Islamic Education Trust (IET) International Conference Hall in Minna on Friday, 26 June 2026.
The event was themed: "World Drug Problems: Persisting Issues, New Challenges and Innovative Responses."
The Deputy Governor commended the NDLEA and its Chairman/Chief Executive, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd.), for the agency's unwavering commitment to combating illicit drugs across the country.
He described drug abuse as a persistent societal challenge that continues to pose serious threats to public health, security, and socio-economic development.
According to him, the NDLEA remains a strategic partner in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse through sustained collaboration with both the Federal and State Governments.
Comrade Yakubu Garba called for increased logistical support, additional manpower, and modern operational equipment to enhance the agency's capacity, particularly in policing the vast landmass of Niger State.
He also stressed the need to curb the production, distribution, and consumption of unregulated and unregistered locally produced drugs and other harmful substances as part of innovative strategies for addressing the country's evolving drug challenges.
He noted that the widespread use of such substances has had adverse effects on the health and well-being of many residents of Niger State.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the NDLEA State Commander, Shehu Gwadabawa, disclosed that the Niger State Command seized a total of 10,127.839 kilograms of various illicit drugs between 2025 and 2026.
He further revealed that 187 suspects were arrested during the period under review, while 173 drug offenders were successfully prosecuted, convicted, and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.
The State Commander commended the Niger State Government for its continuous support to the agency and appealed for stronger collaboration in preventing illicit drugs from reaching young people across the state.
He emphasized that sustained partnerships, intensified public awareness campaigns, and strengthened law enforcement remain critical and innovative responses to tackling drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.
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