NDLEA Destroys Over 12 Tonnes of Illicit Drugs in Kano

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has publicly destroyed 12,233.946 kilograms (about 12.2 tonnes) of assorted illicit drugs and psychotropic substances seized through intelligence-led operations across Kano State and at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport. The exercise, led by the Commander of the Kano Strategic Command, CN Dahiru Yahaya Lawal, is […]

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has publicly destroyed 12,233.946 kilograms (about 12.2 tonnes) of assorted illicit drugs and psychotropic substances seized through intelligence-led operations across Kano State and at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The exercise, led by the Commander of the Kano Strategic Command, CN Dahiru Yahaya Lawal, is part of the Agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign aimed at intercepting, prosecuting and permanently removing illicit drugs from circulation.

The destroyed exhibits comprised 11,890.427kg seized by the Command and 343.519kg intercepted at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The drugs included cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, pregabalin, diazepam, pentazocine, herbal mixtures, expired drugs and other psychotropic substances.

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According to the NDLEA, the seizures resulted from intelligence-led operations, targeted raids and special operations, including Operation Sharar Mafaka and Operation Ramadan Mubarak.

Investigations also uncovered sophisticated drug hideouts, including tunnels and caves in the Rimin Kebe area, highlighting the methods used by traffickers to evade law enforcement.

Commander Lawal disclosed that since January 2026, the command has arrested 904 suspects—869 males and 35 females—seized over 2.5 tonnes of illicit substances and secured more than 54 convictions.

Some convicted offenders, he said, received prison sentences of up to 15 years.

He stressed that while enforcement remains critical, the fight against drug abuse requires collective action involving security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, educational institutions, employers, parents and communities.

Lawal commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), CON, OFR, for his leadership, and appreciated the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for its continued support, particularly the erosion-control project in Rimin Kebe, which eliminated criminal hideouts.

He also acknowledged the Federal High Court Judges for their timely judgments and paid tribute to the outgoing Director of Operations and General Investigations, DCGN Ahmad Sulaiman Ningi, for his dedicated service.