Drug agents in Sokoto have rounded up 599 suspects and confiscated 3.9 tonnes of illegal drugs in the past year. The crackdown marks an intensified war against trafficking and substance abuse across the state.
Commander Mustapha M. Gidado unveiled these figures on Friday at a press briefing.
He was marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse.
Among those arrested, 532 were men and 67 were women, according to Gidado. Twenty-four cases have already resulted in convictions, while 33 more remain pending in court.
Cannabis sativa topped the seizures at 1.2 tonnes, he noted. Agents also recovered 2.5 tonnes of codeine-based cough syrup and 127.529 kilograms of psychotropic substances.
The command has begun rehabilitation work as well. Around 65 people struggling with drug addiction received formal counselling and treatment services.
Beyond that, over 200 individuals benefited from brief counselling interventions. The figure included 55 women who received support.
Yet Gidado painted a picture of challenges holding back operations. Insecurity, weak border surveillance, and limited vehicles plague the command's work.
Communication equipment is also scarce, he said. Poor logistics generally hamper drug enforcement efforts across the state.
Gidado called on the Federal Government to boost funding and resources. Stakeholders must step up support for the agency's mission, according to him.
He praised the Sokoto State Government and the Sultanate Council for backing efforts so far. The command intends to maintain pressure on drug labs, farms, and trafficking networks.
In his words: "We call on parents, community leaders and youths to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious drug-related activities to the NDLEA, reject drug abuse, and support victims through counselling and rehabilitation."
Citizens are urged to report illicit drug activity immediately. Community involvement remains critical to dismantling the drug trade, Gidado stressed.
