NDLEA operatives
The Kogi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized over 10 tonnes of illicit drugs and recovered 40 firearms alongside 874 cartridges from suspected drug traffickers between late 2025 and October 2026.
NDLEA Kogi State Commander, Mr. Umar Yahuza, made the revelation in Lokoja during the official handover of the confiscated arms and ammunition to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).
Yahuza disclosed that the recovered arsenal included five pistols and 35 other firearms. He noted that several suspects—over 80 percent of whom are male—have been arrested and are currently undergoing trial at the Federal High Court in Lokoja.
According to the state commander, Cannabis sativa accounted for the largest volume of illicit drugs confiscated, followed by significant quantities of tramadol, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Yahuza revealed a disturbing trend where drug syndicates involved in cannabis cultivation acquire arms specifically to attack law enforcement personnel during field operations:
“Some of the firearms were recovered from suspected drug dealers involved in cannabis cultivation, who acquired the weapons to confront security personnel during enforcement operations,” Yahuza said.
In addition to drugs and weapons, the command also seized counterfeit Naira, US Dollar, and British Pound notes, as well as fake pharmaceuticals, all of which have been handed over to relevant regulatory agencies for further investigation.
Speaking at the handover event, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, Security Adviser to Governor Ahmed Ododo, commended the NDLEA for extending its operational impact beyond drug control to active counter-crime enforcement.
Omodara emphasized Kogi State’s strategic position as a transit bridge between northern and southern Nigeria, calling for increased federal support and praising the recent establishment of additional military formations and Forward Operating Bases across the state.
He also addressed upcoming political and security milestones:
Ongoing operations in forest reserves have begun forcing local bandits to surrender their weapons.
Full security deployment plans are finalized to guarantee a peaceful environment for the state’s local government elections scheduled for October 17.
Omodara issued a strong stern warning to bandits, kidnappers, highway robbers, and cultists operating within the state to surrender or face full prosecution. (NAN)
