The Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it seized a total of 8,430.239 kilograms of illicit drugs and arrested 1,345 suspects in 2024.
The arrests included 1,301 males and 44 females, while substances ranging from Cannabis Sativa to cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Tramadol, and codeine were confiscated in the year under review.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, in a statement added that the anti-narcotic agency recorded one of its biggest bursts with the interception of over five million tramadol tablets along the Zaria-Kano Road.
Maigatari said this single operation disrupted drug supply chains and reduced the availability of harmful substances across the state.
According to him, the year also witnessed the arrest and conviction of one Lawan Sani Hobe to five years in prison after being on the run for 10 months after attacking an NDLEA officer.
In a bid to tackle drug abuse hotspots, the agency launched “Operation Hana Maye,” which led to the dismantling of over 20 drug joints in areas such as Filin Idi, Dan Agundi, and Sani Abacha Stadium. The operation contributed to reducing drug-related activities in Kano.”
The command added that it reported 128 convictions in 2024, including a group of 12 drug peddlers arrested at Filin Idi. Each was sentenced to three years in prison without the option of a fine.
Other notable convictions included Ibrahim Tahir (9 years), ex-convict James Temitope Ajayi (7 years), and dismissed police officer Salisu Mohammed (5 years).
As part of its preventive measures, the NDLEA conducted 1,114 drug integrity tests, including mandatory screenings for local government election candidates, ensuring only drug-free individuals qualified for leadership roles.
Additionally, the command conducted 202 visa clearance tests to curb cross-border drug trafficking.
The agency also focused on rehabilitation, admitting 101 individuals into its drug treatment programme with many participants successfully completing the programme and reintegrated into the society.
The NDLEA also intensified its community outreach with 207 anti-drug campaigns targeting schools, marketplaces, and community leaders.
These initiatives aimed to educate the public on the dangers of substance abuse and promote vigilance against drug trafficking.
The State Commander, AI Ahmad expressed appreciation to the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, and other stakeholders for their support.
He commended the officers and men of the command for their dedication, which he said was instrumental in achieving the year’s successes.
As 2025 begins, the NDLEA Kano Command reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging intelligence-driven operations and community partnerships to ensure a drug-free Kano State.
