NDLEA Burns 12.234 Tonnes of Illicit Drugs in Kano
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, on Monday publicly burnt about 12.234 tonnes of narcotics and psychotropic substances intercepted across the state.
The destruction of the illicit drugs and substances marks a major milestone in the Agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) and demonstrates its resolve to intercept, investigate, prosecute and permanently remove dangerous substances from circulation.
The seized consignments resulted from intelligence‑led operations, targeted raids and sustained enforcement across the State, including Operations Sharar Mafaka and Ramadan Mubarak.
Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, the Command Media and Advocacy Officer, said in a statement that their investigations exposed sophisticated concealments — including tunnels and caves in the Rimin Kebe area — underscoring the length traffickers go to evade detection and the need for coordinated action to eliminate their hideouts.
“Since January 2026, the Kano Strategic Command has arrested over 904 suspects (869 male, 35 female), seized more than 2.5 tonnes of assorted illicit substances during the period, and secured over 54 convictions. Some offenders have received sentences of up to 15 years — evidence that arrests lead to prosecutions and prosecutions lead to consequences.
“While enforcement remains essential, the NDLEA recognises that it cannot win this war alone.
“The Agency combines robust enforcement with prevention, treatment and community engagement, and calls on all stakeholders to play their part: security agencies must remain relentless; traditional and religious leaders must provide moral guidance; schools must deliver early drug education; employers must create opportunities for youth; and families must be vigilant and supportive.”
The NDLEA reiterated that trafficking networks will be pursued, proceeds seized and operations dismantled.
The Commander, Dahiru Yahaya Lawal acknowledged the leadership and vision of NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), and the support of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, which facilitated the successes recorded by the command.
He also thanked the judiciary for timely disposal of cases, and the outgoing Director, Operations and General Investigations,Ahmad Sulaiman Ningi, for his meritorious service.
In his message, Marwa, represented by Ningi, described the public destruction of the illicit drugs as “justice made visible.”
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