NDLEA arrests 1,860 suspects, seizes 5.4 tonnes of illicit drugs in Kano

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, says it arrested 1,860 suspects, including 92 females, and seized more than 5.4 tonnes of illicit drugs between January and September 2026.

The command also 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.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, the command said it seized a total of 5,409.814 kilogrammes of assorted illicit substances, including Cannabis sativa, cocaine, methamphetamine and psychotropic substances.

It said the figures reflected the scale of drug trafficking and distribution confronting Kano State, as well as its continued efforts to enforce drug laws.

Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA said its Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit recorded approximately 1,700 interventions to support people affected by substance abuse.

It also conducted about 420 sensitisation programmes in schools and communities to educate young people and the general public on the dangers of drug abuse.

The command disclosed that Operation Restore Order led to the dismantling of approximately 35 identified drug joints across the state and the arrest of more than 300 suspects.

The operation was conducted under the directive of the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), as part of efforts to disrupt drug distribution networks and improve community safety.

The command also reported that Operation Sharar Mafaka uncovered underground tunnels and caves in the Rimin Kebe area of Kano, which drug dealers allegedly used to conduct illicit activities and conceal their operations.

The statement said the discovery exposed the methods employed by drug dealers to evade detection and highlighted the challenges involved in dismantling established drug networks.

According to the Kano State Commander, D.Y. Lawal, “the Command remains committed to protecting public health, enhancing community safety, and combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking” across the state.