The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has arrested 1,860 suspects and seized 5,409.814 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs between January and September 2026.
The agency’s Public Relations Officer in Kano, ASN Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kano, on behalf of the State Commander, Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal.
Yahaya-Lawal said the suspects comprised 1,768 males and 92 females, while the seized substances included cannabis sativa, cocaine, methamphetamine, psychotropic substances and other illicit drugs.
He added that the command secured 89 convictions and filed 126 new cases in court during the period under review, while 135 cases remained pending before the Federal High Court.
According to him, the command’s Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit also recorded 1,700 interventions to support individuals affected by substance abuse.
He said the command conducted 420 sensitisation programmes in schools and communities to educate young people and members of the public on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of prevention.
The commander said the agency also carried out targeted operations to dismantle drug distribution points across the state under “Operation Restore Order”, an initiative implemented at the directive of NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa.
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He said the operation led to the dismantling of about 35 identified drug joints and the arrest of more than 300 suspects.
Yahaya-Lawal described the operation as part of the agency’s sustained efforts to disrupt illicit drug distribution networks and improve community safety.
He also disclosed that “Operation Sharar Mafaka” uncovered underground tunnels and caves in the Rimin Kebe area, allegedly used by drug dealers to conduct illicit activities and conceal their operations.
According to him, the discovery exposed the tactics employed by drug dealers and highlighted the operational challenges involved in dismantling drug networks.
The commander said addressing drug-related challenges required decisive action against illicit supply networks, alongside sustained efforts to prevent substance abuse and support recovery.
He commended Marwa for his leadership and commitment to the agency’s mandate, while acknowledging the support of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf, relevant stakeholders, community members and the media in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Yahaya-Lawal urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the agency to support ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse.
He emphasised that community participation, public awareness and collaboration among stakeholders were essential to achieving sustainable progress.
The commander reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining enforcement operations, strengthening preventive education and supporting treatment and rehabilitation initiatives across Kano State.
