Crackdown in Ebonyi: NDLEA Disrupts Drug Network, Nabs 112 Suspects in Q1 2025

 

Abakaliki, Nigeria — A relentless crackdown on drug abuse and trafficking in Ebonyi State has seen the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) record significant gains in the first quarter of 2025. From January through March, operatives of the NDLEA, Ebonyi Command, seized a staggering 55.947 kilograms of illicit substances and apprehended 112 suspects across the state.

This development was made public during an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abakaliki by Mr. Peter Ogar, the State Commander of the NDLEA in Ebonyi. Ogar revealed that the arrests were carried out during extensive operations across various parts of the state, ranging from urban centres to more remote communities.

According to the Commander, the suspects comprise a diverse demographic — 85 males and 27 females — whose ages span from 16 to 76 years. “Among those apprehended are individuals involved in drug trafficking, illegal distribution networks, and personal consumption,” Ogar explained.

The NDLEA’s seizures paint a grim portrait of the drug landscape in Ebonyi, with Cannabis Sativa topping the list. A total of 43.582kg of the illegal plant was confiscated. Additionally, the agency recovered 0.004kg of Tramadol tablets, 0.400kg of Tramadol 100mg in the form of 1,189 capsules, and 0.207kg of Diazepam comprising 988 tablets.

The Command also intercepted more dangerous and exotic mixtures such as 11.2kg of 'monkey tail' — a locally brewed psychoactive concoction, 0.054kg of Methamphetamine, 0.020kg of Bromazepam (46 tablets), 0.244kg of Pentazocine (84 ampoules), and 0.014kg of Heroin.

“These seizures reflect not only the scope of the drug problem in our state but also the effectiveness of our strategies in clamping down on illegal drug activities,” Ogar noted.

While enforcement is a core aspect of NDLEA’s operations, the agency is also prioritising rehabilitation and sensitisation. As part of its community intervention, the Command counselled 59 individuals, including 45 males and 14 females, aged between 21 and 76. These sessions, Ogar said, are aimed at redirecting users from addiction to recovery and reintegration.

The agency’s efforts have not stopped at arrests and seizures. Within the same period, four suspects were successfully prosecuted and convicted in court, sending a strong message to would-be offenders.

In a notable incident during a raid, one suspect was found in possession of a locally manufactured pistol. The individual was promptly handed over to the police for further investigation, highlighting the nexus between drug abuse and violent crime.

Commander Ogar reiterated the NDLEA's commitment to sustaining the fight against drug proliferation in Ebonyi. He called on community leaders, youth groups, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaborative efforts in drug prevention.

“Eradicating drug abuse is not a task for the NDLEA alone. We need the support of everyone to build a drug-free society, especially for our youths,” he emphasized.

The NDLEA has also launched a state-wide public sensitisation campaign, spanning all 13 local government areas of Ebonyi. The campaigns, which included workshops, rallies, and school outreach programs, were primarily aimed at youths and students — the demographic most vulnerable to drug influence.

As the Command continues its crackdown, the tone from its leadership is clear: the fight against drugs in Ebonyi is far from over, but progress is firmly underway.