Four arrested as NDLEA seizes 2.318 tons of cannabis worth billions of naira in Kwara
The Kwara State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a significant drug bust, seizing 2.318 tons of cannabis valued in the billions of naira over the span of one week.
At a news conference in Ilorin, the state capital, State Commander Hajia Fatima Popoola revealed details of the operation and the arrest of four suspects connected to the seizure.
The cannabis was intercepted during two operations along the Offa and Omu Aran axes of the Command in the early hours of the morning.
“These drugs were concealed among sacks of sawdust,” Popoola said. “This is one of the biggest seizures we’ve made in a single week in recent times, and the street value of what we seized runs into at least billions of naira. This shows just how serious drug use and trafficking have become in Kwara State.”
According to Popoola, one suspect, a driver, was caught with 1.2 tons of cannabis, while another was apprehended with 300kg, and the remaining 720kg was attributed to two other suspects. The drugs were hidden in trucks disguised as ordinary goods.
“We found a J5 vehicle that appeared to be empty, but it was loaded with cannabis. These operations were conducted mostly between 3 am and 5:30 am, a time when traffickers often attempt to avoid detection,” Popoola explained.
Addressing the issue of drug-related crime, she stated, “No sane person wakes up to commit inhumane acts or violent crimes. Most times, there is a drug influence behind it.”
She specifically highlighted security challenges in areas like Kaiama, Chikanda, Patigi, Edu, and Omu Aran as being drug-related.
Popoola noted that while NDLEA seized only 2 tons of drugs in all of 2024, more than 2,000 kilograms have been seized between January and August of 2025.
The recent success has been attributed to the collaborative efforts among various security agencies.
“The NDLEA is not working alone. We are working with the police, army, civil defence, and traditional rulers,” she stated.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, through his Senior Adviser/Counsellor, Alh Saadu Salahu, praised the NDLEA for their accomplishments.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to combating illicit drug use in the state, stating, “We need to educate the younger generation on the health implications of involvement in drugs.”
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, reinforcing the notion that the fight against drug trafficking necessitates community support.
The press conference was attended by traditional rulers and representatives from military and paramilitary agencies, underscoring the collective effort to address the drug crisis in Kwara State.
Source: LEADERSHIP
