The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano says it has arrested at least 230 individuals linked to drug trafficking, abuse, and other related offences following a sweeping month-long operation across the state.
Commander of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, Abubakar Ahmad, disclosed the development while addressing journalists on Friday, describing the operation as one of the agency’s most extensive recent efforts to curb the growing menace of substance abuse.
According to him, the coordinated raids, conducted over a 30-day period, yielded “significant breakthroughs” with the interception of large quantities of illegal drugs as well as weapons.
“This intensive operation led to the arrest of 230 suspects involved in various drug-related offences and the recovery of significant quantities of illicit substances and weapons,” Ahmad stated.
The exercise was carried out in collaboration with several security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, and the Department of State Services.
The joint operation was spearheaded under the Kano State Joint Task Force for Peace Restoration and Youth Rehabilitation, chaired by Yusuf Mata.
Ahmad revealed that the crackdown targeted major drug hotspots such as Kofar Ruwa, Tashar Rami, Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna, Zage, Dorayi Karshen Waya, Dawanau, Filin Idi, Rimi Market, Zango, Kano Line, and Kofar Mata.
Items recovered during the raids included cannabis sativa, Exol-5, diazepam, codeine syrup, “suck and die,” rubber solutions, and several locally fabricated weapons.
The NDLEA commander noted that the operation has already produced visible results, leading to a decline in drug-related crimes such as phone snatching, thuggery, and other social vices in the areas raided.
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He praised the leadership of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, for strengthening cooperation among security agencies, and commended the DSS for its surveillance role.
Ahmad also acknowledged the support of the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Yusuf, saying the administration’s policies have bolstered anti-drug efforts and youth rehabilitation initiatives.
He urged parents and community leaders to remain active in the campaign against drug abuse to sustain the gains achieved so far.
Kano remains a focal point in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking, prompting continuous NDLEA interventions.
In a recent operation, the agency arrested 22 suspects and recovered a range of illicit drugs, while also offering rehabilitation support as part of its preventive strategy.