Police in Taraba have arrested a 20-year-old man, Yusuf Aliyu, and recovered 110 blocks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp from him in Dakka Village, in Bali Local Government Council of the state.
The suspect, a resident of Chigeri in Fofure Local Government Council of Adamawa State, was arrested during an intelligence-led patrol along the Jalingo-Bali axis on October 13, 2026.
State Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Mshelizah, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday.
The statement said police operatives intercepted Aliyu at Dakka Village after finding suspicious materials in his possession.
“A search conducted by the operatives led to the recovery of 110 blocks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa, concealed in three black sacks,” police said.
The statement added that preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect allegedly admitted ownership of the substance and claimed to have purchased it from one Ayaga, whose surname remains unknown, in Dakka Village.
It added that the alleged supplier was currently at large, while police operatives were intensifying efforts to locate and arrest him for further investigation.
The statement said, “The suspect and the recovered exhibits would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Taraba State Command, for further investigation and necessary action in accordance with the law.”
State Commissioner of Police, Edwin Ogbeghagha, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating crime and criminality across the state in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
Ogbeghagha warned drug traffickers and other criminal elements against engaging in activities that threaten public safety, youth development and community security.
He said the command, in collaboration with relevant agencies and the Taraba State Government, would continue to intensify efforts to tackle drug-related offences and promote a safer society.
The police commissioner urged individuals involved in the cultivation, trafficking, distribution and sale of illicit drugs to desist from such activities or face the consequences of the law.
He also called on members of the public to provide credible and timely information on suspected drug trafficking and other criminal activities to the nearest police station or appropriate security agency.
The command assured residents that it would sustain intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with relevant agencies to protect lives and property across the state.
