NDLEA Apprehends 214 Suspects for Drug Offenses in Gombe State, Nigeria

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken action against drug abuse and related offenses in Gombe, a northeastern Nigerian state, apprehending a total of 214 individuals suspected of involvement in such activities.

Mr. Bello Mumini, the NDLEA Deputy Commander on Narcotics in Gombe State, revealed this information during a recent event organized by the Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria (APROCON).

In his presentation titled “Drug Abuse Situation in Gombe State,” Mumini disclosed that among the arrested suspects, comprising 200 males and 14 females, the agency had seized 93.95 kg of cannabis sativa, 257.5 kg of psychotropic substances, and methamphetamine over the past seven months.

Expressing concern about the rising rates of drug abuse and the increasing involvement of females in these activities, Mumini emphasized the importance of enforcing the law to deter potential offenders from breaking its provisions.

Mumini noted that out of the 214 suspects, 137 had already been charged to court, resulting in 30 convictions. While the outcomes for the remaining suspects are pending, he assured that the law would take its course to serve as a deterrent to others.

Mumini highlighted that drug abuse trends in Gombe State transcend gender, age, and social status, emphasizing the need for young individuals to engage in more constructive and beneficial activities that promote personal growth and contribute to the state’s development.

Regarding the underutilization of a 24-bed capacity NDLEA rehabilitation center in the state, Mumini expressed disappointment over its limited usage despite the prevalent issues of drug abuse. He urged both authorities and individuals to support the effective functioning of the facility by sponsoring clients in need of rehabilitation services, particularly in Gombe State.

Mumini praised APROCON for its anti-drug abuse campaign and youth counseling efforts, acknowledging the importance of raising awareness about the dangers associated with drug use and substances.

Dr. Habiba Isah, Chairperson of APROCON and Head of the Department of Educational Foundations at Gombe State University, emphasized that drug abuse remains a significant concern with negative implications for the youth. She revealed that APROCON had initiated a campaign targeting selected tertiary institutions to engage with and discourage young people from engaging in illicit drug use.

Isah also called on parents to remain vigilant and take measures to protect their children from the dangers of drugs.