NDLEA Destroys Over 12 Tonnes of Seized Illicit Drugs in Kano, Arrests 904 Suspects

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has destroyed more than 12 tonnes of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances seized during anti-narcotics operations across Kano State and the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The public destruction exercise was supervised by the State Commander of the NDLEA, CN Dahiru Yahaya Lawal.

In a statement issued by the command's Media and Advocacy Officer, Sadiq Maigatari, the agency disclosed that a total of 12,233.946 kilograms—approximately 12.234 tonnes—of assorted narcotics were destroyed after being intercepted and forfeited through sustained intelligence-led operations.

According to the statement, the exercise underscores the agency's commitment to combating drug trafficking by ensuring that seized illicit substances are permanently removed from circulation.

The command explained that the drugs were recovered through a combination of intelligence gathering, targeted raids and continuous enforcement operations carried out across Kano State.

Providing an update on its activities, the NDLEA revealed that from January 2026 to date, it has arrested 904 suspects, comprising 869 men and 35 women, in connection with drug-related offences.

During the same period, the command said it confiscated more than 2.5 tonnes of various illegal substances and secured over 54 convictions in court.

The agency added that some convicted offenders have received prison sentences of up to 15 years, describing the convictions as evidence of its determination to ensure that drug-related crimes are prosecuted successfully.

Speaking during the exercise, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf said the destruction of the seized narcotics demonstrates the government's resolve to protect residents from the harmful effects of illicit drugs and disrupt criminal networks involved in drug trafficking.

The governor noted that while law enforcement remains a key strategy, the state is also investing in rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for affected youths.

He highlighted initiatives including support for the Kiru Rehabilitation Centre, the establishment of the Anti-Illicit Drugs and Phone Snatching Committee, the deployment of security marshals to identified crime hotspots and the implementation of the Safe Corridor Project, which is designed to rehabilitate and reintegrate young people into society.

Yusuf further disclosed that more than 400 youths had been arrested during recent security operations, with many successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated, while those involved in serious criminal activities continue to face prosecution.

He reaffirmed the state's commitment to strengthening intelligence sharing, expanding rehabilitation programmes and providing additional logistical support to security agencies in the fight against drug abuse and related crimes.