NDLEA Destroys Over 12.2 Tonnes of Illicit Drugs in Kano

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command,  publicly destroyed 12,233.946 kilograms of assorted illicit narcotics and psychotropic substances seized during intelligence-led operations across Kano State and at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The Commander of the Kano Strategic Command, CN Dahiru Yahaya Lawal, said the exercise formed part of the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign and demonstrated its commitment to intercepting, investigating, prosecuting and permanently removing illicit drugs from circulation.

He said the destroyed exhibits included cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, pregabalin, pentazocine, diazepam, herbal mixtures and other prohibited substances confiscated through sustained enforcement operations.

Lawal said the seizures resulted from intelligence-led raids, including Operations Sharar Mafaka and Ramadan Mubarak, adding that investigations uncovered sophisticated concealment methods such as tunnels and caves in the Rimin Kebe area used by drug traffickers.

He noted that the discoveries underscored the need for sustained collaboration among security agencies to dismantle criminal networks.

According to him, the command has, since January 2026, arrested more than 904 suspects comprising 869 males and 35 females, seized over 2.5 tonnes of illicit substances and secured more than 54 convictions, with some offenders receiving prison sentences of up to 15 years.

He stressed that while enforcement remained central to the agency’s mandate, prevention, treatment and community engagement were equally critical in addressing drug abuse.