The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State Strategic Command, has arrested no fewer than 230 suspects involved in various drug-related offences and seized large quantities of illicit substances in the state.
The Commander of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, Abubakar Ahmad, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on Friday.
He said the agency achieved major breakthroughs in tackling drug abuse and associated criminal activities during a 30-day intensive operation across the state.
“The operation led to the arrest of 230 suspects involved in various drug-related offences and the recovery of significant quantities of illicit substances and weapons,” he said.
Ahmad explained that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, and the Department of State Services, under the Kano State Joint Task Force for Peace Restoration and Youth Rehabilitation led by Yusuf Mata.
The month-long, continuous raids targeted notorious drug hotspots including Kofar Ruwa, Tashar Rami, Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna, Zage, Dorayi Karshen Waya, Dawanau, Filin Idi, Rimi Market, Zango, Kano Line, Kofar Mata, and other identified areas.
“Confiscated items included cannabis sativa, Exol-5, diazepam, ‘suck and die’, rubber solution and codeine syrup, alongside several locally made weapons,” he added.
Ahmad noted that the crackdown had already reduced drug misuse and related crimes — such as phone-snatching, thuggery, and other social vices — across Kano communities, attributing the success to improved inter-agency coordination.
The commander commended the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, for enhancing cooperation among security agencies, and praised the DSS for its surveillance support.
He also acknowledged the Kano State Government’s backing under Governor Abba Yusuf, highlighting initiatives that strengthened anti-drug and youth rehabilitation efforts.
Ahmad further lauded the professionalism of all officers involved and urged residents, especially parents, to continue supporting the fight against drug abuse to achieve lasting results.
Kano has long been recognized as a hub for drug trafficking and substance abuse, prompting repeated interventions by the NDLEA.
Previously reported that the agency, during a recent operation, arrested 22 suspects from several drug hotspots, recovered illicit substances including cannabis and psychotropic pills, and also conducted counselling and rehabilitation programmes for some suspects, reflecting NDLEA’s strategy that combines enforcement with preventive measures.
