The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has arrested 1,860 suspects and seized 5,409.814 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs between January and September.
The NDLEA Public Relations Officer in Kano, ASN Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kano, on behalf of the State Commander, Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal.
Yahaya-Lawal said the suspects comprised 92 females and 1,768 males.
The seized substances included cannabis sativa, cocaine, methamphetamine, psychotropic substances and other illicit drugs.
He said during the period under review, the command secured 89 convictions and filed 126 new cases in court, while 135 cases pending before the Federal High Court.
According to him, the Command’s Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit also recorded 1,700 interventions to support individuals affected by substance abuse.
He added that the Command conducted 420 school and community-based sensitisation programmes to educate young people and members of the public on the dangers of drug abuse and importance of prevention.
Yahaya-Lawal noted that the command also implemented targeted operations to dismantle drug-distribution points across the state under the directive of the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa “Operation Restore Order”.
He said the operation led to the dismantling of about 35 identified drug joints and arrest of over 300 suspects.
He said the operation was part of the agency’s sustained efforts to disrupt illicit drug distribution networks and improve community safety.
The commander also said “Operation Sharar Mafaka” uncovered underground tunnels and caves in Rimin Kebe area allegedly used by drug dealers for illicit activities beneath the earth surface.
He said the discovery exposed the tactics employed by drug dealers to conceal their operations and highlighted the operational challenges involved in dismantling drug networks.
He said addressing drug-related challenges requires decisive action against illicit supply networks alongside sustained efforts to prevent substance abuse and support recovery.
Yahaya-Lawal commended Marwa for his leadership and commitment to the agency’s mandate.
He also acknowledged the support of Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, relevant stakeholders, community members and the media for their cooperation and contributions in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The commander urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the agency to support ongoing efforts against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
He emphasised that community participation, public awareness and collaboration among stakeholders were essential to achieving sustainable progress.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining enforcement operations, strengthening preventive education and supporting treatment and rehabilitation initiatives to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking across Kano State. (NAN)
