The Adamawa State Command of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a significant blow to illicit drug trafficking in the region with the arrest of two siblings suspected of trafficking a massive shipment of compressed cannabis sativa from Akure, Ondo State, into Adamawa.
According to NDLEA Adamawa Commandant Aliyu Abubakar, the siblings—who have been identified as notorious drug traffickers—were apprehended last month following an intelligence-driven operation that led to the interception of a Honda Pilot SUV loaded with 500 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa in Lamurde, a town located in the southern part of Adamawa State. The contraband was believed to be destined for Mubi, a town in northern Adamawa known for its strategic location as a drug trafficking hub.
“Based on credible intelligence, our operatives intercepted the vehicle transporting the 500 blocks of cannabis sativa. A follow-up search of the suspects’ premises in Mubi led to the discovery and recovery of an additional 40 blocks of compressed cannabis,” Abubakar revealed during a press briefing at the NDLEA state headquarters in Yola.
The arrests of the siblings form part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse in Adamawa during the month of September 2025. Abubakar provided a comprehensive overview of the NDLEA’s operational successes, highlighting the scale and severity of the drug problem in the state.
“In September alone, we arrested 58 suspects—comprising 56 men and two women—on charges related to drug trafficking and abuse,” he disclosed. “Our seizures included 366.808 kilograms of cannabis sativa, 209.8 kilograms of psychotropic substances, and 11.6 kilograms of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs.”
The agency also seized multiple vehicles and motorcycles used as means to transport the illegal substances, underscoring the sophisticated networks and logistics employed by traffickers.
“Four vehicles and a motorcycle used in the transportation of these substances were confiscated as part of our ongoing efforts to disrupt the drug supply chains,” Abubakar added.
Beyond interdiction efforts, the NDLEA has intensified its focus on eradicating cannabis cultivation within Adamawa State. In a separate operation conducted in Mijilu village, located in Mubi North Local Government Area, operatives uncovered and destroyed a sprawling cannabis farm spanning six hectares.
“The destruction of this farm was a major victory against local cannabis cultivation. Five suspects connected to the farm were arrested and will face prosecution under the relevant drug laws,” the Commandant said.
The operation sent a clear message to would-be cultivators and traffickers that the NDLEA remains resolute in its mandate to combat drug-related crimes in the state.
The crackdown in Adamawa is part of a nationwide campaign by the NDLEA to dismantle drug trafficking networks and reduce the availability of illicit drugs across Nigeria. Drug abuse and trafficking pose serious security, social, and economic challenges, contributing to crime, violence, and public health crises.
Commandant Abubakar reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting communities from the scourge of drugs, pledging continued intelligence-led operations and collaboration with local and international partners.
“The fight against drug trafficking and abuse is a shared responsibility. We urge members of the public to support our efforts by providing timely information that can help us track down traffickers and dismantle their networks,” he concluded.
The arrest of these siblings and the destruction of a significant cannabis farm highlight both the challenges and progress in combating drug trafficking in Nigeria’s northeastern region. While the region remains vulnerable due to its porous borders and strategic location, the determined efforts of agencies like the NDLEA provide hope for curbing the drug menace.
Community awareness and cooperation remain critical in sustaining these gains, alongside policy reforms and increased funding for law enforcement and rehabilitation programs.
