The Yobe State Police Command has arraigned 303 suspects in connection with drug abuse and other criminal offences across several local government areas in the state.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the arrests followed joint security operations targeting criminal hideouts and black spots in five local councils.

The command urged members of the public, especially community and religious leaders, to report suspected cases of drug trafficking and abuse to security agencies. “The identities of informants will be protected and not disclosed under any circumstances,” Abdulkarim assured.

He also stressed the role of preventive education, urging communities to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse. “Drug abuse can result in physical dependence, mental health issues, social isolation, and exposure to criminal activity,” he warned.

In his remarks, Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado, said the police would continue to collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen public sensitisation and enforce existing laws.

He called on residents to actively participate in the campaign against drug-related offences, noting that the trend poses significant risks to the future of young people, particularly in border communities.