NDLEA Destroys 12.2 Tonnes of Illicit Drugs in Kano, Vows to Intensify Crackdown on Traffickers
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 12.2 tonnes of illicit narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Kano State, reaffirming its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and protecting communities from the devastating effects of substance abuse.
The public destruction exercise, carried out by the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command on Monday, involved 12,233.946 kilograms of illicit drugs recovered through intelligence-led operations, targeted raids and airport interceptions.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commander of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, CN Dahiru Yahaya Lawal, described the event as a significant step in safeguarding public health and security.
“We are gathered today for a purpose far greater than the burning of sacks and substances. 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 11,890.427 kilograms of the destroyed drugs were seized across Kano State, while 343.519 kilograms were intercepted at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The destroyed exhibits included 7,799.314kg of cannabis sativa, 2,781.153kg of psychotropic substances such as codeine, tramadol, pentazocine and diazepam, 375.641kg of Exol-5, 367.870kg of pregabalin, 270kg of other controlled substances, 200kg of herbal mixtures, 79kg of expired drugs, as well as smaller quantities of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other prohibited substances.
Lawal further revealed that between January and June 2026, the Kano Strategic Command arrested 904 suspects, comprising 869 males and 35 females, confiscated 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 attributed the successes to intelligence-driven operations, including Operation Sharar Mafaka and Operation Ramadan Mubarak, which led to the dismantling of major drug distribution networks and the discovery of concealed tunnels and caves used by traffickers in the Rimin Kebe area.
While highlighting the agency’s enforcement efforts, the commander stressed that combating drug abuse requires collective action beyond law enforcement.
He called on security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, educational establishments, employers and families to strengthen prevention, awareness and rehabilitation initiatives.
Representing the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), the Director of Operations and General Investigation, Alhaji Suleiman Ahmad Ningi, described the destruction exercise as a visible demonstration of justice and a warning to criminal networks.
“What you are witnessing today is not theatre. It is justice made visible. Every gram being destroyed today represents suffering averted, a life protected and a family spared,” Marwa stated in his message.
The NDLEA chairman identified the diversion of controlled pharmaceutical products—including tramadol, codeine and pentazocine—from legitimate supply chains into illicit markets as one of Nigeria’s most pressing drug challenges.
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To address the problem, he announced the establishment of NDLEA–Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Joint Oversight Committees nationwide to strengthen monitoring of regulated medicines and improve intelligence sharing.
Marwa also highlighted the agency’s Alternative Development Initiative, which commenced in Ondo State to assist former cannabis farmers in transitioning to legitimate agricultural activities, noting that the programme would be expanded to other states.
He further urged tertiary institutions in Kano State to adopt the agency’s Drug Integrity Testing Programme to discourage drug abuse on campuses, while calling on the Kano State Government to provide sustained political and financial support.
The NDLEA boss commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Federal High Court, sister security agencies, civil society organisations and community leaders for their support in the fight against illicit drugs.
According to him, although the destruction of the seized drugs represents a significant milestone, sustained collaboration among government institutions, communities and families remains critical to winning the war against drug abuse.
“The flames that destroy these drugs today will not, by themselves, destroy the problem. What will defeat this problem is sustained will and collective action,” he said.
In his remarks, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to combating insecurity and drug abuse.
He announced the deployment of 1,000 security personnel to 52 identified crime hotspots across the state as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and curb criminal activities linked to illicit drug abuse.
The governor expressed concern over the growing prevalence of substance abuse, noting that it has contributed significantly to violence, killings and other criminal activities in the state.
He said the government was working closely with parents and other stakeholders to address the menace, adding that the public destruction of the seized drugs sends a strong warning to criminal elements involved in drug trafficking.
“Let us be very clear that this is a chance to block criminals from destroying our society, especially the younger generation. We have acted to protect the public,” he said.
Governor Yusuf disclosed that the deployment of security personnel had already resulted in the arrest of suspected criminals and the seizure of illicit drugs from several drug traffickers.
He also highlighted the state’s Kano Safe Corridor Initiative, a non-kinetic strategy focused on counselling, rehabilitation, empowerment and the reintegration of affected individuals into society.
The governor further announced that the Kano State Government had donated three operational vehicles to the NDLEA to enhance the agency’s operational capacity, assuring that similar support would be extended to other security agencies.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with security agencies and relevant stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse and crime, stressing that collective action remains vital to securing the future of Kano’s younger generation.
By PRNigeria
