Kano: The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, says it arrested 1,389 suspects and seized 7,773.06 kilogrammes of illicit drugs between January and December 2025.
State Commander Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Kano by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari.
He said the arrests were part of sustained efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse across the state.
According to him, the suspects comprised 1,346 males and 43 females, apprehended during various operations for drug-related offences. The drugs seized included cannabis sativa, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and psychotropic substances.
Yahaya-Lawal described the seizures as a major blow to trafficking networks, reflecting the command’s commitment to building a drug-free Kano State.
The commander noted that the agency secured 141 convictions of traffickers and users, while 133 cases remained pending before the Federal High Court.
“Four major drug dealers were sentenced to 33 years imprisonment, while a house acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking was forfeited to the Federal Government, and two other properties were placed under interim forfeiture,” he said.
Yahaya-Lawal explained that the command adopted a holistic approach, combining tough enforcement with rehabilitation and drug demand reduction programmes.
Ninety-four persons benefited from rehabilitation, while 1,009 individuals — including 28 females — received brief intervention services through referrals from investigators and stakeholders.
He added that the command conducted 254 anti-drug campaigns in schools, markets, streets, and communities across the state. Through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy, more than 86,939 people — 41,225 males and 45,714 females — were sensitised via workshops and awareness programmes.
The commander further revealed that 598 visa clearance applications from the Kano State Government, individuals, and institutions were investigated to safeguard Nigeria’s image abroad.
In addition, 527 substance abuse tests were conducted, with 64 persons testing positive for various drugs.
He said the command collaborated with other security and regulatory agencies, transferring cases involving gunrunning, banditry, fraud, theft, impersonation, and counterfeit drugs to the appropriate authorities, including NAFDAC, EFCC, DSS, and the Police.
Yahaya-Lawal commended the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba-Marwa and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf for their support.
He also lauded officers and men of the command, other security agencies, traditional institutions, NGOs, and the media for their roles in the successes recorded.
He assured that the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command would sustain intelligence-led operations, synergy, and community partnerships to dismantle drug networks and ensure a safer society.
