By Muslimat Itopa
The State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has reiterated his administration commitment to partner with the State National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to eliminate illicit drugs from the Society.
Governor Ododo made this known during the official 2025 public destruction of exhibits by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, In Lokoja
Represented by the State Security Adviser Commander Jerry Omodara (RTD), Governor Ododo. stressed the significance of a drug-free environment in discouraging young people from using drugs
He stressed the crucial damage the use of illicit drugs has caused on the nation saying severe consequences of drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities can not be over emphasised.
According to the Governor by promoting a drug-free lifestyle, the state aims to protect its youth from the harmful effects of substance abuse, which can lead to health problems, poor academic performance, and even criminality.
Governor Ododo vowed to eradicate cannabis cultivation in four Local Government Areas of the State known for it’s illicit activity.
He pledged to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to destroy cannabis farms and combat drug abuse and trafficking in the state
The Chairman and CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Muhammed Buba Marwa, pledged to protect Kogi State from the scourge of drug traffickers and users.
Brigadier General Muhammed Buba Marwa represented by Deputy Controller General NDLEA Alhaji Suleiman Ahmed Nigi, emphasized the devastating consequences of narcotic drugs on human lives, saying there is need for concerted efforts to combat this menace.
“I am delighted to be here today on this important occasion of the public destruction of 25 tons of assorted illicit drugs seized by the Kogi State command of NDLEA. This staggering volume of 25,000 kilograms of illicit substances is capable of further heightening the security situation in the country and Kogi State in particular if allowed to circulate,” he said.
He emphasized that the sheer bulk of the drugs that will be destroyed is a reminder to everyone about the magnitude of the drug problem in the country adding that the statistics from the National Drug Use Survey (2018) gives insights into this adding that just two of the facts are enough to cause a sober reflection.
He added that 14.3 million Nigerians, aged 15-64 years, are abusing drugs stressing that 10.6 million of the nation’s compatriots abuse cannabis, which makes Nigeria one of the countries with the highest number of people abusing the psychotropic plant adding that the statistics are worrisome when you look beyond the figures to their health and security implications.
“The breakdown of the drugs for destruction shows: Cannabis Sativa -20,000.316kg; Tramadol – 476.864kg; Rohypnol-13.046kg; Diazepam151.319kg; Exol-5 – 648.683kg; Pentazocine injection – 361.650kg; Cocaine -1.888kg; Codeine based syrup – 2393.944kg; MDMA -0.305kg; Diazepam injection – 1.100kg; Tramadol injection – 2.800kg; Methamphetamine – 34.208kg; Heroin – 0.215kg; Morphine1.700kg; Ketamine – 3.600kg; Cocodamol – 1.300kg; Midazolam – 3.700kg; and Akuskura (NPS) – 1,132.600kg. This brings the total to 25,229.238kg”NDLEA boss noted.
He noted that they will to engage all the critical stakeholders—including the traditional and religious institutions, community-based groups, the civil society, youth groups, gender based organisations, law enforcement agencies, governmental organizations, the criminal justice system and our international collaborators, among others to curb the menace.
Marwa Commended Governor Ododo for the refurbishing of the Command Four Vehicles and procurement of other vehicles in tackling drug traffickers.
The Zonal Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Minna, ACGN H.I. Saka commended the Governor for his tireless efforts in combating drug abuse in the state saying the recognition underscores the Governor’s commitment to addressing the scourge of drug use and its far-reaching consequences on individuals, families, and communities.
Kogi State Commander NDLEA U.M. Yahuza, praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his tireless efforts to make Kogi State drug-free.
According to Commander Yahuza, these statistics highlight the magnitude of Kogi State’s drug problem, particularly in regards to smuggling.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on War Against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking Treasure Eunice Achimugu promised her continuous support and collaboration with the state NDLEA to curb the menace.
