NDLEA Destroy 12,233.946KLm Of Illicit Drugs In Kano
From Muhammad Kabir Kano
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
products such as tramadol, codeine and pentazocine into illegal markets as one of the nation’s biggest drug challenges.
To address the menace, he announced the establishment of joint oversight committees between the NDLEA and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) across the country to strengthen monitoring of regulated medicines and improve intelligence sharing.
The National Chairman of the NDLEA, General Bubw Marwa highlighted the agency’s Alternative Development Initiative, which assists former cannabis farmers to embrace legitimate agriculture, noting that the programme, which commenced in Ondo State, would be expanded to other parts of the country.
He appealed to tertiary institutions in Kano to adopt the NDLEA Drug Integrity Testing Programme to keep campuses free from illicit drugs and urged the Kano State Government to provide the necessary political and financial support.
The NDLEA boss commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Federal High Court, security agencies, civil society organisations and community leaders for their support in the fight against drug abuse.
The Commander of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, CN Dahiru Yahaya Lawal, described the exercise as more than the destruction of seized drugs, saying it symbolised the agency’s unwavering commitment to protecting communities from the dangers of illicit substance
