NDLEA arrests 799 suspects, seizes 2,000 kg of hard drugs in Akwa Ibom
By Imoh Essien (Uyo)
The Akwa Ibom State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) apprehended over 799 suspects, including a soldier, and confiscated more than 2,000 kg of hard drugs between 2024 and February 2025.
The agency reported that out of those arrested, 181 have been convicted, with operations continuing actively.
Mrs. Obot Uduak Bassey, the NDLEA Commander for the state, made the announcement yesterday during a courtesy visit to the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Uyo, accompanied by officers and personnel from the agency.
She described Akwa Ibom State as a high pandemic hotspot in terms of the use and trafficking of illicit drugs, noting that there are several identified flashpoints within the state.
Mrs. Bassey also highlighted the dangers faced by NDLEA operatives, revealing that many have lost their lives while working to dismantle dangerous drug cartels in the state.
She pointed out that drugs are often covertly inserted into food items, such as the local delicacy ekpangnkukwo, pepper soup, chin chin, and cakes, which are frequently served at night vigils and wedding celebrations.
"You may be interested to know that we have conducted several raids in Nasarawa, a Hausa community in the state. Additionally, we arrested the soldier who was seen using hard drugs, and he has been dismissed from service. This is part of our regular activities.
"If you have been following the news, you will know that one of our members was burned alive during an engagement with a drug gang in the state. I don’t want to bore you with the details, but several of our operatives have been killed in 2025 alone.
"Most of us seated here are fortunate to be alive. While we are aware of many of the flashpoints in Uyo and the entire state, we cannot know everything, which is why we welcome our informants.
"The Hausa community at the Marina roundabout in Eket is a notorious flashpoint. We have been there a couple of times and have been attacked, mobbed, and shot at."
Mrs. Bassey commended the state government for its support of their initiatives through the Akwa Ibom State Drug Control Committee, which is led by the First Lady's office.
While she identified peer pressure from school, poverty, and lack of parental care as factors contributing to illicit drug addiction, the NDLEA boss urged parents and guardians to take an active interest in their children's activities, especially online, to help prevent them from becoming involved with negative influences.
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of the NDLEA Today magazine to the Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk.
