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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Plateau State Command arrested 1,587 suspects and seized 9.4 tonnes of illicit drugs and controlled substances in a sustained crackdown on drug trafficking and substance abuse across the state.
The agency also recovered 486 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three locally fabricated pistols and two pump-action guns.
The NDLEA State Commander, Anthony Tala Gotar, disclosed this during a press briefing in Jos on Thursday to commemorate the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Gotar said four suspects linked to the recovered weapons had been arrested and handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation.
The day was tagged: “The World Drug Problem – Persisting Issues, New Challenges and Innovative Responses”.
Gotar said the command had confiscated 9,488.186 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and controlled substances between July 2025 and June 2026, disrupting drug distribution networks and preventing the substances from reaching communities.
According to him, the 1,587 suspects arrested comprised both male and female offenders involved in various drug-related offences during the period under review.
He said investigations had been conducted in accordance with the provisions of the NDLEA Act and other relevant laws.
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The commander further disclosed that operatives had recovered arms and ammunition during anti-drug operations, highlighting the growing link between drug trafficking and violent crime.
On prosecution, he disclosed that 71 drug offenders had been convicted and sentenced to various jail terms, while several other cases remained pending before the Federal High Court in Jos.
He added that the command had intensified intelligence-led operations across identified drug hotspots within Jos and adjoining areas, including Ojukwu Street, the Congo-Russia axis, Kugiya, Zawan, Ungwan Doki, Rayfield, Mai-Adiko, Bukuru Park and Gold and Base.
According to him, the operations had led to the dismantling of several drug joints and distribution centres, arrests of traffickers and users, seizure of illicit substances and restoration of public confidence in affected communities.
Beyond enforcement, Gotar said the command had sustained a balanced approach through rehabilitation and public enlightenment programmes.
He disclosed that 114 drug-dependent persons had received treatment and rehabilitation services at the command’s mini rehabilitation centre, while 900 users had undergone brief counselling interventions and were reunited with their families for monitoring and support.
Gotar called on residents of Plateau State to support the agency with credible information, stressing that the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking required collective action.
The commander reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-driven operations, expanding community-based prevention programmes and deploying innovative strategies to tackle emerging drug threats across the state.
