The Katsina State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has reaffirmed its determination to sustain the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking across the state, assuring residents that the agency remains committed to protecting lives and communities.
The reassurance was given by the NDLEA Commander in Katsina, Samaila Danmalam, during an end-of-year press briefing held on Tuesday.
The briefing also coincided with the decoration ceremony of 61 officers of the command who were recently promoted to various ranks.
Danmalam explained that tackling drug-related crimes requires collective responsibility, stressing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to achieve lasting results. He noted that the command believes Katsina can be made safer through improved information sharing, sustained advocacy and effective community policing, which would significantly reduce drug offences and help preserve peace.
Reflecting on the command’s activities in 2025, Danmalam said operatives carried out intelligence-driven raids and routine patrols that led to the arrest of numerous individuals involved in drug-related crimes. These operations, he said, resulted in notable seizures and the disruption of several illicit drug networks operating across the state.
According to him, within the period under review, the command arrested a total of 1,018 suspects, made up of 992 males and 26 females. He added that various substances were recovered during operations, including large quantities of cannabis, codeine and psychotropic substances, amounting to a combined total of 2,473.755 kilograms.
Danmalam also highlighted the impact of the agency’s public enlightenment drive under the War Against Drug Abuse initiative championed by the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Muhammed Buba Marwa (Rtd).
“Our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, led by Brig. Gen. Muhammed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has achieved outstanding results. Highlights include 203 sensitisation programs with 75,135 target beneficiaries, 451 clients counseled, and 58 clients admitted for rehabilitation,” the statement said.
On the legal front, the commander disclosed that the agency successfully arraigned 86 suspects during the year and secured convictions against 87 others, describing the outcome as a reflection of the command’s commitment to enforcement and accountability.
Despite the progress recorded, Danmalam admitted that the Katsina State Command continues to grapple with logistical constraints. He mentioned challenges such as inadequate operational vehicles, office infrastructure issues including drainage systems, and insufficient accommodation for officers deployed across the state.
He appealed for assistance from government authorities, stakeholders and well-meaning individuals to help the command overcome these limitations and strengthen its capacity to carry out its mandate effectively.
“We seek support from stakeholders, government, and philanthropists to overcome these hurdles,” he said.
What you should know
The NDLEA in Katsina recorded major operational successes in 2025, with over a thousand arrests, significant drug seizures and dozens of convictions.
The agency also intensified public awareness through its War Against Drug Abuse campaign, reaching tens of thousands of residents and supporting rehabilitation efforts.
However, officials say logistical challenges still threaten operational efficiency, prompting calls for stronger government and community support to sustain the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
