NDLEA Arrests 1,860 Suspects, Seizes 5.4 Tonnes of Drugs in Kano

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, says it arrested 1,860 suspects and seized 5,409.814 kilogrammes of illicit drugs between January and September 2026.

The State Commander, CN DY Lawal, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s Media and Advocacy Officer, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari.

Lawal said the suspects included 92 females, adding that the seized substances comprised Cannabis sativa, cocaine, methamphetamine, psychotropic substances and other illicit drugs.

He said the command secured 89 convictions and filed 126 new cases in court during the nine-month period, while 135 cases remained pending before the Federal High Court.

Beyond enforcement, the commander said the command’s Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit recorded about 1,700 interventions to support individuals affected by substance abuse.

He added that approximately 420 sensitisation programmes were conducted in schools and communities to educate young people and members of the public on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of prevention.

Lawal said Operation Restore Order, implemented under the directive of the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, led to the dismantling of about 35 identified drug joints and the arrest of more than 300 suspects.

He explained that the operation was part of efforts to disrupt drug distribution networks and improve community safety across Kano State.

The commander also disclosed that Operation Sharar Mafaka uncovered underground tunnels and caves in the Rimin Kebe area allegedly used by drug dealers to conceal their activities.

According to him, the discovery exposed the methods employed by drug dealers to evade detection and highlighted the challenges involved in dismantling established illicit drug networks.

He said the command’s strategy combined enforcement and prosecution with public sensitisation, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation to address both drug trafficking and substance abuse.

Lawal expressed appreciation to Marwa for his leadership and commitment to the agency’s mandate, while acknowledging the support of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf, relevant stakeholders, community members and the media.

He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the agency to strengthen efforts against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

The commander reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining enforcement operations, expanding preventive education and supporting rehabilitation initiatives to protect public health and enhance community safety in Kano State.