Kwara NDLEA intercepts 2.318 tons of cannabis
The Kwara State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it has intercepted and seized 2.318 tons of cannabis, with a street value running into billions of naira within one week
Fatima Popoola, the State Commander of NDLEA, disclosed this during a press briefing held in Ilorin, the State capital.
According to her, the seizures were made in two separate operations along the Offa and Omu-Aran axes of the State between 3:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. Four suspects were arrested in connection with the illicit consignments, which were cleverly concealed among sacks of sawdust.
This is one of the biggest seizures we have recorded in recent times, and the street value of what was intercepted runs into billions of naira. This clearly shows the alarming rate of drug use and trafficking in Kwara State,” Popoola said.
She explained that one suspect, a driver, was caught with 1.2 tons of cannabis, another with 300kg, while two other suspects were linked to a combined seizure of 720kg. The drugs, she added, were hidden in Canter trucks and other vehicles disguised as ordinary goods to evade security checks.
In one instance, a J5 vehicle appeared empty on the surface, but upon inspection, it was found to be fully loaded with cannabis. Most of these operations took place between 3:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., when traffickers believe it they can move undetected,” she noted.
The commander stressed that drugs remain a major driver of violent crimes and insecurity in parts of the state. “No sane person wakes up to commit heinous acts without influence. In most cases, drug abuse is at the root of these crimes. The security challenges in areas like Kaiama, Chikanda, Patigi, Edu, and Omu-Aran are largely drug-related,” she said.
Popoola further revealed that while the Command seized only two tons of drugs in the whole of 2024, it had already confiscated over 2,000 kilograms between January and August 2025. She credited the successes to synergy among sister security agencies, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders.
Representing Governor Abdulrahman Abdultazaq at the briefing, Saadu Salahu, the Senior Adviser/Counsellor, commended the NDLEA for its relentless efforts. He said the arrests and seizures underscored the Government’s commitment to eradicating illicit drugs in the State.
Salahu noted that the Government is partnering with the NDLEA, traditional rulers, religious bodies, civil society groups, and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse.
We must educate our young people about the grave health and social implications of drug involvement. The fight against drug trafficking cannot be left to security agencies alone; it requires the active support of everyone,” he said.
