NDLEA Destroys 12.2 Tonnes of Illicit Drugs in Kano, Arrests 904 Suspects in Anti-Narcotics Crackdown

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 12.2 tonnes of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Kano State, reaffirming its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and curbing the growing menace of substance abuse across Nigeria.

The public destruction exercise, carried out on Monday by the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, involved 12,233.946 kilograms of illicit drugs seized through intelligence-led operations, targeted raids and airport interceptions.

Speaking at the event, the Commander of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, CN Dahiru Yahaya Lawal, described the exercise as a decisive step in protecting communities from the harmful effects of illicit drugs.

“We are here to destroy a direct threat to the health of our youth, the peace of our families and the future of our communities,” Lawal said.

He disclosed that the destroyed drugs included 7,799.314kg of cannabis sativa, 2,781.153kg of psychotropic substances such as tramadol, codeine and diazepam, alongside heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, pregabalin, herbal mixtures and other controlled substances.

Of the total quantity destroyed, 11,890.427kg were seized within Kano State, while 343.519kg were intercepted at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

Lawal revealed that the command had arrested 904 suspects—869 males and 35 females—since January, seized over 2.5 tonnes of illicit drugs and secured more than 54 convictions, with some offenders receiving prison terms of up to 15 years. He also highlighted successful operations that dismantled major drug distribution networks, including the discovery of hidden tunnels and caves used by traffickers in the Rimin Kebe area.

Representing the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), the Director of Operations and General Investigation, Alhaji Suleiman Ahmad Ningi, described the destruction exercise as “justice made visible,” warning drug cartels that Nigeria would not relent in the fight against narcotics.

Marwa announced the establishment of NDLEA–Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Joint Oversight Committees to curb the diversion of controlled medicines into illegal markets and called on tertiary institutions in Kano to adopt the agency’s Drug Integrity Testing Programme.

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Secretary to the State Government Umar Farouk, reiterated the state’s commitment to combating drug abuse and insecurity. He announced the deployment of 1,000 security personnel to 52 identified crime hotspots and disclosed that the state had donated three operational vehicles to the NDLEA to strengthen its operations.

The governor stressed that sustained collaboration between government, security agencies, communities and families remains crucial to protecting young people and winning the fight against drug abuse.