By Juliet Ibimina
The Oyo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has announced the arrest of 533 suspects for drug-related offences and the seizure of illicit substances valued at ₦1.6 billion across the state.
The NDLEA State Commander, Lawal Adetula, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Ibadan. Mr Adetula explained that these arrests and seizures were achieved within the first six months of his tenure, marking significant milestones in combating drug abuse and trafficking since he assumed duty in November 2025.
The suspects, comprising 407 men and 126 women, were apprehended for offences involving Cannabis sativa, cocaine, tramadol, diazepam, “skuchies,” Rohypnol, Colorado, codeine, cannabis-infused chocolate, and various other psychotropic substances.
“Within the period under review, the command recorded seizures of over three tonnes of Cannabis sativa and other narcotics and psychotropic substances, with an estimated street value of N1.6 billion.
“We also destroyed a Colorado production factory in Ibadan, and the owner is currently being prosecuted,” he said.
Mr Adetula highlighted a notable arrest involving a Sokoto-based businessman who was intercepted in a commercial bus along the Ibadan–Oyo Expressway. A body scan confirmed that the suspect had ingested illicit drugs, resulting in the recovery of 45 pellets of cocaine, weighing 1.043kg, during excretion observation.
Investigations revealed that the individual had travelled by road to evade airport security, intending to smuggle the narcotics through trans-Saharan routes via Algeria to Europe.
The Commander further reported that 84 suspects had been charged to court for various drug-related offences, with 51 already convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from six months to two years.
Additionally, officers recovered several non-drug exhibits linked to traffickers, including vehicles, pistols, and cash.
“As part of our drug demand reduction efforts, we have provided brief intervention and counselling services to 375 persons who use drugs (PWUD), comprising 283 males and 92 females,” he said.
Mr Adetula added that the command’s rehabilitation centre in Iseyin had successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated 10 individuals into society, whilst nine others were currently undergoing residential rehabilitation.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment, the Commander stated that they would continue to raise public awareness about the dangers of illicit drug consumption and trafficking. He praised the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Marwa, for providing the critical support that has driven their operational efficiency and recent successes.
Mr Adetula also expressed his gratitude to the NDLEA personnel in Oyo State for their dedication and professionalism, whilst thanking key stakeholders for their ongoing support.
