NDLEA Delta Seizes Dl0⁹0ó⁸⁰l⁰808l0lQ easerugs Worth ₦2bn, Secures 248 Convictions in One Year
The Command disclosed this on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, during a press briefing by the Commander, Narcotics (CN), Halilu Hamidu, PhD, to mark his first year in office.
Hamidu said the Command's operations had focused on disrupting the supply of illicit drugs while intensifying efforts to prevent drug abuse, particularly among young people.
2.4 Tonnes of Drugs Seized
According to him, the Command seized a total of 2.446 tonnes of solid drug exhibits, including 1.38 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa, 666.295kg of Tramadol, 81.023kg of cannabis seed, as well as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Molly, Diazepam/Bromazepam, Exol, Cocodamol and Nitrous Oxide.
The Command also recovered 1,304.63 litres of liquid drug exhibits, including 819.327 litres of Codeine, Pentazocine, Tramadol injection and other substances.
Hamidu said a major operation at a warehouse in Oko Market, Asaba, led to the recovery of illicit substances valued at more than ₦150 million.
He added that operatives intercepted two trucks conveying illicit drugs along the Benin-Asaba Expressway.
One of the trucks, intercepted at Issele-Uku, was loaded with Codeine worth an estimated ₦150 million, while another truck intercepted at Agbor contained psychotropic substances valued at about ₦100 million.
Two commercial buses were also intercepted along the Onitsha-Asaba Expressway with illicit psychotropic substances estimated at over ₦300 million.
36.2 Hectares of Cannabis Farms Destroyed
The NDLEA boss said the Command destroyed 10.2 hectares of cannabis farmland at Emu-Obiogo village in Ndokwa West LGA in August 2025.
Another 11 hectares were destroyed at Obiaruku in Ukwani LGA in May 2026, while an additional 15 hectares were destroyed at Orogun in Ughelli North LGA.
He said the operations were aimed at preventing Delta State from being used as a route, storage point or cultivation centre for illicit drugs.
248 Convictions Recorded
On prosecution, Hamidu disclosed that 248 drug-related convictions had been recorded between July 2025 and September 2026, while 223 cases remain pending before various courts.
He assured that the Command would continue to work with the judiciary and other relevant authorities to ensure effective investigation and prosecution of drug-related offences.
693 Persons Counselled
Hamidu stressed that enforcement alone could not solve the drug problem, noting that the Command had also intensified sensitisation, counselling and preventive programmes.
He said 693 persons, comprising 463 males and 230 females, had been counselled during the period under review.
The War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign also recorded activities in 181 locations across the state.
The Command, in collaboration with the State Drug Control Committee and the Delta State Communication and Orientation Bureau, has also strengthened drug-prevention education through WADA Clubs in secondary schools.
The programmes have extended to NYSC orientation camps, tertiary institutions, religious organisations, workplaces and communities.
NDLEA Commends Delta Government, Security Agencies
The Commander commended the Delta State Government for its continued support for the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
He also acknowledged the Armed Forces and sister security agencies, particularly Operation Delta Sweep, for strengthening intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.
Hamidu further appreciated traditional rulers, religious leaders, schools, youth organisations, NGOs, community leaders and media partners for supporting the anti-drug campaign.
Asagba Supports Rehabilitation Centre
The NDLEA commander specifically commended traditional rulers, including the Asagba of Asaba, the Oreje of Okpe Kingdom and the Deine of Agbor, for their support.
He disclosed that the Asagba of Asaba played a significant role in facilitating the provision of an Asaba rehabilitation facility, which he said would soon become operational.
“Every Life Saved Is a Future Protected”
Looking ahead, Hamidu said the Command would continue to target both the supply networks and demand for illicit drugs while supporting counselling and rehabilitation.
He said the efforts aligned with the Delta State Government's M.O.R.E Agenda, particularly in the areas of development, peace, security and prosperity.
The Commander also commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), CON, OFR, for providing strategic leadership to the Agency's nationwide campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.
He called for sustained support from government, security agencies, the media and members of the public.
“Every life saved from drug abuse is a family kept together, a future protected and a community made stronger,” Hamidu said, stressing that the fight against drugs was a collective responsibility.
He urged Deltans to work with the NDLEA through education, enforcement, collaboration and compassion to build a safer and healthier state.
