In a decisive move to dismantle drug syndicates and ensure public safety, the Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 22 suspects during a coordinated crackdown on drug hotspots across the state.
The operation, which took place on April 10, targeted key drug trafficking zones identified through intelligence gathering. According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, the operation was spearheaded by the State Commander, Mr. Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, and marked a significant stride in the agency’s ongoing anti-narcotics campaign.
The raids were conducted at known drug enclaves including Dan’agundi Construction Site, Gwangwazo Area, Farm Center along Zaria Road, Tashar Rami, and Filin Idi in Kano. These areas have long been flagged by residents and security operatives as hotbeds for illicit drug activities, often involving youths and criminal gangs.
The NDLEA team, backed by intelligence units, stormed these locations in the early hours, resulting in the swift apprehension of the suspects, who were found in possession of significant quantities of narcotics and dangerous weapons.
Among the confiscated items were assorted illegal substances such as cannabis sativa, “suck and die” (a synthetic drug cocktail), industrial solvents like rubber solution, and other locally concocted hallucinogens. Notably, locally made firearms were also recovered, suggesting a nexus between drug use and violent crimes in the state.
Muhammad-Maigatari emphasized that the agency is now profiling the suspects to differentiate between users and traffickers. He disclosed that those found guilty of drug trafficking would be arraigned in court, while those identified as users would be offered rehabilitation support.
“In line with the NDLEA’s public health and harm reduction strategy, drug users among the arrested suspects will be enrolled in the agency’s Drug Demand Reduction Programme (DDRP) for proper counseling and rehabilitation,” said Muhammad-Maigatari.
The DDRP is part of the NDLEA’s dual-pronged approach—combining law enforcement with rehabilitation to address the root causes of drug abuse and prevent relapse. The command has in recent months intensified collaboration with religious institutions, schools, and community leaders to promote drug awareness and behavioral change campaigns in Kano.
Speaking further, the spokesperson noted that the Kano Command remains undeterred by the scale of the drug crisis and has adopted proactive strategies, including intelligence-led operations and community policing initiatives, to keep pace with the evolving tactics of drug cartels.
“This latest operation demonstrates the agency’s unwavering resolve to eradicate drug-related crimes and safeguard communities from the ripple effects of drug abuse, including armed robbery, cultism, and sexual violence,” Muhammad-Maigatari said.
The NDLEA has also appealed to residents of Kano State to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with the agency by reporting suspicious drug-related activities. The Command believes that effective community involvement is key to sustaining the gains of ongoing enforcement measures.
In recent times, the agency has strengthened its whistleblower protection protocols and launched awareness campaigns in local languages to encourage more citizen participation.
This operation in Kano comes as part of a broader national strategy by the NDLEA under the leadership of its Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), to root out drug networks and rehabilitate vulnerable populations. Similar raids have been conducted in states such as Lagos, Rivers, and Anambra, indicating a nationwide crackdown on the drug trade.
As drug syndicates increasingly adopt clandestine methods, the NDLEA has vowed to scale up its surveillance capacity using drone technology, undercover operatives, and digital intelligence tools.
The arrest of 22 suspects and the recovery of a cache of illicit drugs and weapons marks a major victory for the NDLEA and a critical step toward reclaiming public spaces from the grip of narcotics. With sustained momentum and community collaboration, the agency says Kano is on the path to becoming a drug-free state.