NDLEA Nabs 1,389 Suspects, Seizes Over 7.7 Tonnes of Drugs in Kano

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has arrested 1,389 suspects and seized 7,773.06 kilograms of illicit drugs across the state between January and December 2025.

The disclosure was made on Thursday by the Kano State Commander of the NDLEA, Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal, in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari. The commander said the arrests and seizures were recorded during sustained operations aimed at curbing drug trafficking and substance abuse in Kano State.

According to the statement, the suspects arrested during the period comprised 1,346 males and 43 females, all apprehended in connection with various drug-related offences across different parts of the state.

Yahaya-Lawal listed the seized substances to include cannabis sativa, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and various psychotropic drugs. He described the seizures as a significant setback for drug trafficking networks operating within and around the state.

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He noted that the achievements reflected the command’s resolve to promote a drug-free society and reduce the social and security challenges associated with drug abuse and trafficking.

The commander disclosed that the command secured a total of 141 convictions involving drug traffickers and users within the review period, while 133 other cases remained pending before the Federal High Court.

He further revealed that four major drug dealers were sentenced to a combined 33 years’ imprisonment. In addition, a house acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking was forfeited to the Federal Government, while two other properties were placed under interim forfeiture orders.

Yahaya-Lawal said the NDLEA adopted a balanced strategy that combined strict law enforcement with rehabilitation and drug demand reduction programmes. He disclosed that 94 individuals benefited from rehabilitation services, while 1,009 persons, including 28 females, received brief drug intervention services through referrals from investigators and partner organisations.

As part of its preventive efforts, the command conducted 254 anti-drug campaigns in schools, markets, streets and communities across the state to educate residents on the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking. He added that through the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy initiative, a total of 86,939 persons were sensitised through workshops and awareness programmes.

The commander also said the command investigated 598 visa clearance applications submitted by the Kano State Government, institutions and individuals, as part of efforts to protect Nigeria’s image internationally. In addition, 527 substance abuse tests were conducted, with 64 individuals testing positive for various drugs.

He noted that the command worked closely with other security and regulatory agencies, transferring cases involving offences such as gunrunning, banditry, fraud, impersonation and counterfeit drugs to appropriate authorities, including the police, EFCC, DSS and NAFDAC.

Yahaya-Lawal commended the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brigadier General Mohamed Buba-Marwa, and Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for their support, while assuring that intelligence-led operations and community partnerships would be sustained to dismantle drug networks and enhance public safety.