Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Ogun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported the arrest of 675 suspects and the conviction of 221 individuals for drug trafficking and abuse in 2024.
State Commander Tijjani Rabe disclosed this in an interview at the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta. He revealed that 9.7 tonnes of hard drugs and 537.81 liters of liquid-based substances of abuse were seized during the year.
Expressing concern over the rising influx and consumption of drugs, Rabe noted that drug activities spiked during the ember months as people and merchants returned home for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. In response, the command launched Operation Close The Gate, aimed at sealing off access routes into the state, which led to the seizure of 1.3 tonnes of cannabis sativa.
Beyond enforcement, Rabe highlighted the command’s efforts in public sensitization, reaching approximately 27,648 people through awareness campaigns in 128 locations, including schools, government offices, and religious institutions.
“In 2024, we arrested 675 suspects and seized 9.7 tonnes of various hard drugs, along with 537.81 liters of liquid-based substances”.
“We also secured 221 convictions, making Ogun State the second-highest among NDLEA state commands in Nigeria, only behind the leading command with 261 convictions,” Rabe stated.
To further curb drug abuse, the agency engaged influential figures in society to support the fight against illicit substances. Looking ahead to 2025, the NDLEA boss affirmed that the command will intensify enforcement, strengthen interceptions, and establish interdiction points on major entry roads into the state.
