The Command also secured 89 convictions, filed 126 new court cases and carried out about 420 drug abuse sensitisation programmes between January and September 2026.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has arrested 1,860 suspects and seized more than 5.4 tonnes of illicit drugs between January and September 2026, as part of its efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse across Kano State.
The Command issued a press release on October 13, 2026, stating that the arrests included 92 females, while the total quantity of seized substances stood at 5,409.814 kilogrammes. The confiscated drugs included Cannabis sativa, cocaine, methamphetamine, psychotropic substances and other illicit substances.
The Command also recorded progress in prosecution, securing 89 convictions and filing 126 new cases in court during the nine-month period. Another 135 cases remain pending before the Federal High Court.
Operations Target Drug Distribution Networks
As part of its efforts to disrupt illicit drug distribution networks, the Command implemented targeted operations against identified drug joints and concealed drug activities across the state.
Under Operation Restore Order, carried out pursuant to the directive of the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), CON, OFR, approximately 35 identified drug joints were dismantled, while more than 300 suspects were arrested.
In a related operation, Operation Sharar Mafaka led to the discovery of underground tunnels and caves in the Rimin Kebe area of Kano. The Command said drug dealers had been using the underground locations to conduct and conceal illicit activities, highlighting the challenges facing enforcement agencies in dismantling established drug networks.
Beyond Arrests: Prevention and Rehabilitation
Beyond its enforcement activities, the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command continued to pursue prevention, treatment and rehabilitation initiatives aimed at addressing the wider consequences of substance abuse.
The Command’s Counseling, Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit recorded approximately 1,700 interventions for individuals affected by substance abuse during the period under review.
It also conducted about 420 sensitisation programmes in schools and communities to educate young people and the general public on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of prevention.
These interventions form part of the Command’s approach to addressing drug-related challenges through a combination of law enforcement, public education, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.
NDLEA Commends Stakeholders, Seeks Public Cooperation
The State Commander, CN DY Lawal, expressed appreciation to the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), CON, OFR, for his leadership and commitment to the Agency’s mandate.
He also acknowledged the support of Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside relevant stakeholders, community members and the media, whose cooperation he described as important to the ongoing fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The Commander urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the Agency to support efforts to identify drug trafficking activities, curb substance abuse and improve community safety.
He further emphasised the importance of public awareness and collaboration among stakeholders in achieving sustainable progress against drug-related challenges.
Sustaining the Fight Against Illicit Drugs
The figures reported by the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command highlight the scale of its enforcement, prosecution, prevention and rehabilitation activities during the first nine months of 2026.
With thousands of kilogrammes of illicit substances seized, hundreds of suspects prosecuted or awaiting trial, and interventions extending into schools and communities, the Command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening drug control efforts across Kano State.
The Agency said it would sustain enforcement operations, expand preventive education and support treatment and rehabilitation initiatives to protect public health, enhance community safety and combat illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.
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