The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 7,590 tons of illicit drugs and substances worth over N800 billion and arrested 42,105 drug offenders in three years across the country.

The NDLEA chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba (rtd), made this known when the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, visited to the NDLEA headquarters on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Marwa said that drugs were central to criminalities, especially terrorism, kidnapping and insurgency.

“They all rely on drugs before carrying out their nefarious activities; this is why NDLEA has been very ferocious and aggressive in denying the criminals access to illicit substances,” he added.

According to him, the NDLEA has also destroyed 1,057 hectares of cannabis farms within the period and secured the conviction of 8,350 offenders.

“29,400 drug users have been counselled and rehabilitated also within the same period.

“In about three years, we have arrested 42,105 drug offenders, including 46 barons. We have seized no fewer than 7,590 tons of drugs and this is worth about N800 billion,” Mr Marwa told the CDS.

He commended the armed forces for their diligence, loyalty, commitment, sacrifice, and gallantry in keeping the nation safe and their unwavering support to NDLEA.

This, he said, was in the area of arms and ammunitions and training of officers and men, among others.

Mr Marwa urged the military to consider constructing a central rehabilitation centre and creating drug rehabilitation facilities in existing military hospitals for the treatment of personnel who might have issues of substance abuse.

Earlier, the CDS said that the armed forces of Nigeria would strengthen its synergy with the NDLEA to curtail the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

Mr Musa commended the agency for its prompt response in tackling drug problems across the country.

“We have seen the number of arrests being made and how the world has now seen that Nigeria is taking positive measures to address this drug issue, I think, is highly commendable.”

According to him, theatre commanders in the North-East have seen the effect of drugs as people who will not even be able to carry a knife carry GPMG when they take drugs.

“So, this tells you what drugs do; it gives you a lot of fake confidence, and with usage over time, they become addicted, and when they become addicted, it becomes dangerous to them, and they become a danger to everyone close to them.

“We know the challenges of drugs and how the use of illicit drugs has affected Nigeria’s name.

“And when Nigeria is mentioned abroad, everybody thinks about drugs, but you and your team have turned that around; at least now, people have seen that sense of sincerity in addressing the drug issue in Nigeria.

“We know it is not easy because a lot of people have benefited so much from it, and they will do anything to sustain their illicit businesses,” Mr Musa said.

The CDS assured the NDLEA of the Nigerian armed forces’ support, saying that the military was proud of the agency and willing to extend more support to it.

Mr Musa reiterated the military’s commitment to curbing drug abuse and illicit trafficking, saying they would not relent until the menace of drugs was totally eliminated in the country.

“We know the influence of drug use and what it has done to us, creating a lot of issues all over the country, which is very alarming,” he said.

(NAN)