Veritas News Hub | Kwara Desk | 27th June 2026
IDOFIAN, Kwara State – Less than 24 hours after the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and trafficking sensitization in Offa, the Kwara State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has inspected a new operational office in Idofian donated by the community.
The facility, which is at 70 percent completion, was inspected on Saturday by the State Commandant, CN Hajia Fatima Abiola Popoola, alongside senior officers including DCN Kenneth Odili, Commander of Training and Operations. The visit underscores a growing partnership between NDLEA and host communities to make Kwara South drug-free.
Idofian residents initiated and funded the new office to strengthen NDLEA’s presence in the town and surrounding areas. Community leaders said the project reflects a collective resolve to work with the agency to rid Idofian, and Kwara State at large, of drug abuse and trafficking.
During the inspection, CN Popoola applauded Idofian for stepping up as what she called a “lead partnering community.” She said the project shows residents are no longer passive observers but active stakeholders in securing their environment.
“We are truly impressed by Idofian’s commitment. This office, even at 70 percent, is already a statement that the people are ready to stand with NDLEA. I appreciate your leadership and assure you that we will do more than expected once it is completed,” Popoola said.
She noted that community-owned offices reduce response time, improve intelligence gathering, and make it harder for drug peddlers to operate unnoticed. She urged other towns to emulate Idofian’s model.
‘We Will Cut Off Drug Supply Networks’
Also speaking during the inspection, DCN Kenneth Odili, Commander of Training and Operations, said the office will serve as a tactical base to disrupt trafficking routes across Kwara South once completed.
“Once the whistle is blown by our proactive Commandant, and the facility is fully activated, we will cut off all drug supply networks. Our goal is to make Kwara South a drug-free zone, just as we are doing along the major roads into Ilorin,” Odili stated.
He explained that NDLEA will deploy more operatives to Idofian, intensify critical operations, and work with local vigilantes and youth groups to monitor drug supply from entry and exit points. He added that intelligence from the community will be treated with priority.
Odili warned dealers: “Kwara is no longer safe for traffickers. With facilities like this coming up through community support, our reach is wider and our response will be faster.”
The Idofian inspection follows Friday ’s large-scale sensitization in Offa, where NDLEA engaged traders, youths, drivers, and traditional leaders on the dangers of drug abuse. During that campaign, CN Popoola disclosed that the Command arrested 985 suspects and seized over 5.7 tonnes of illicit drugs between June 2025 and June 2026.
Officials said the strategy is to decentralize operations beyond Ilorin to prevent traffickers from shifting to smaller towns after crackdowns in the capital. The Idofian office aligns with that plan.
Community leaders said the project was funded through contributions from indigenes at home and in the diaspora, with support from market associations and youth groups. They pledged more support to NDLEA.
CN Fatima Abiola Popoola used the inspection to renew her call for parents, teachers, and religious leaders to play active roles at home. She said prevention must run side-by-side with enforcement.
“Law enforcement alone cannot win this war. Every parent must be the first teacher. Every community must be the first line of defense. If you see something, say something,” she told residents.
She also acknowledged the Kwara State Government’s drug-testing policy for students and teachers, describing it as a strong preventive tool that complements NDLEA’s work.
NDLEA Kwara said similar community-led initiatives are being discussed with other LGAs identified as transit points. The Command assured Idofian that the office will be staffed and equipped immediately after completion.
With the Offa sensitization and now the Idofian inspection, the agency is consolidating gains from UN Day activities and extending its footprint across Kwara South.
Post a Comment