The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking, arresting three suspects and confiscating 115 bags of Cannabis sativa, weighing approximately 1,600 kilograms, in Mowe, Ogun State.
According to a statement issued by the NDLEA’s Public Relations Officer, Haris Musa, on January 14, 2026, the suspects, led by Benedict Joseph Theaddues, were apprehended while loading the illicit drugs into a Toyota Sienna bus and a Hummer bus.
This operation underscores the NDLEA’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and protecting public health and security in Ogun State. The agency has been actively working to curb drug trafficking in the state, and this latest seizure is part of its ongoing efforts.
Earlier, the NDLEA had arrested 760 suspects and seized significant quantities of illicit drugs, demonstrating its unwavering stance against drug-related crimes.
However, despite these efforts, Nigeria’s ranking in the fight against drug abuse remains concerning. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Nigeria has a drug use rate of 14.4%, nearly three times the global average.
Nigeria is positioned 199th out of 217 countries, with a total drug use rate of 199 per 100,000 people, making it one of the countries with high drug use rates. Cannabis is the most commonly used drug, affecting an estimated 10.6 million users.
The UNODC warns that drug use in Africa is projected to rise by 40% by 2030, emphasizing the need for a pragmatic, humane, and data-driven approach to combat the issue.
The NDLEA’s efforts are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the scale of the problem. The agency’s continued commitment to balancing law enforcement with expanded prevention, treatment, and harm-reduction services will be crucial in tackling the challenge of drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
