The Sokoto State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 3.9 tonnes of various illicit drugs and arrested 599 suspects over the past year as part of its sustained crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse.

The State Commander, Mustapha M. Gidado, disclosed this on Friday, during a press conference to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse.

According to Gidado, the suspects comprised 532 males and 67 females.

He added that 24 suspects had been convicted, while 33 cases were still pending before the courts.

He said the drugs intercepted during the period included 1.2 tonnes of cannabis sativa, 127.529 kilograms of psychotropic substances, and 2.5 tonnes of codeine-based cough syrup.

On rehabilitation efforts, the commander revealed that 65 persons battling substance use disorders received counselling and rehabilitation services, while more than 200 individuals, including 55 females, benefited from brief interventions and counselling programmes.

Gidado identified insecurity, inadequate logistics, poor surveillance of remote border routes, and shortages of operational vehicles and communication equipment as some of the major challenges facing the command.

He appealed to the Federal Government and other stakeholders to provide increased logistical support to enhance the agency’s operations.

He commended the Sokoto State Government, the Sultanate Council, and other stakeholders for their continued support, assuring that the command would sustain aggressive operations against drug joints, cannabis farms, trafficking routes, and outlets involved in the sale of illicit substances.

“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,” Gidado said.