NDLEA destroys 12.2 tonnes of illicit drugs in Kano, warns traffickers

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday publicly destroyed 12.2 tonnes of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Kano State, declaring that the operation signalled a renewed determination to dismantle drug trafficking networks and protect communities from the devastating effects of illicit substances.

The destruction exercise, conducted by the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, involved 12,233.946 kilograms of drugs seized through intelligence-led operations, targeted raids and airport interceptions.

Speaking at the event, the Commander of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, CN Dahiru Yahaya Lawal, said the exercise represented more than the burning of confiscated drugs.

“We are gathered today for a purpose far greater than the burning of sacks and substances. We are here to destroy a direct threat to the health of our youth, the peace of our families and the future of our communities,” he said.

According to Lawal, 11,890.427 kilograms of the destroyed drugs were seized across Kano State, while 343.519 kilograms were intercepted at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The destroyed substances included 7,799.314kg of cannabis sativa, 2,781.153kg of psychotropic substances such as codeine, tramadol, pentazocine and diazepam, 375.641kg of Exol-5, 367.870kg of pregabalin, 270kg of other substances of abuse, 200kg of herbal mixtures, 79kg of expired drugs, as well as smaller quantities of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other controlled drugs.

Lawal disclosed that since January, the Kano Strategic Command had arrested 904 suspects, comprising 869 males and 35 females, seized more than 2.5 tonnes of illicit substances and secured more than 54 convictions, with some offenders receiving prison sentences of up to 15 years.

He said the command had also dismantled drug distribution networks through operations such as Operation Sharar Mafaka and Operation Ramadan Mubarak, including the discovery of concealed tunnels and caves used by traffickers in the Rimin Kebe area.

Lawal stressed that enforcement alone would not end drug abuse, calling on security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, schools, employers and families to play active roles in prevention and rehabilitation efforts.

Addressing the gathering, the Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the destruction exercise as “justice made visible” and warned criminal cartels that Nigeria would not surrender to drug traffickers.

Speaking on behalf of Brig. Gen. Marwa, the Director of Operations and General Investigation, Alhaji Suleiman Ahmad Ningi, said, “What you are witnessing today is not theatre. It is justice made visible. Every gram being destroyed today represents suffering averted, a life protected and a family spared,” Marwa said.

The NDLEA chairman identified the diversion of controlled pharmaceutical products such as tramadol, codeine and pentazocine from legitimate supply chains into illicit markets as one of the country’s biggest drug challenges.

To tackle the problem, he announced the establishment of NDLEA–Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Joint Oversight Committees across the country to strengthen monitoring of regulated medicines and improve information sharing.

Marwa also highlighted the agency’s Alternative Development Initiative, which began in Ondo State, saying it was helping former cannabis farmers transition to legitimate agriculture and would be expanded to other states.

He further urged tertiary institutions in Kano to adopt the agency’s Drug Integrity Testing Programme as part of efforts to keep campuses free from illicit drugs, calling on the Kano State Government to provide the necessary political and financial support.

The NDLEA chairman commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Federal High Court, sister security agencies, civil society organisations and community leaders for supporting the agency’s anti-drug campaign.

He maintained that while the destruction of the drugs marked an important milestone, sustained collaboration among government, institutions, communities and families remained essential to winning the war against drug abuse.

“The flames that destroy these drugs today will not, by themselves, destroy the problem. What will defeat this problem is sustained will and collective action,” Marwa said.

Speaking at the occasion, Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling crime and drug abuse, announcing the deployment of 1,000 security personnel to 52 identified crime hotspots across the state as part of efforts to improve public safety.

He said the state government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens and is intensifying efforts to curb criminal activities, particularly those linked to the abuse of illicit drugs.

The governor expressed concern over the increasing cases of drug abuse, noting that the trend has contributed to violence, killings and other forms of criminality in the state.

He said the government, in collaboration with parents and other stakeholders, had joined forces to combat the menace and make Kano a safer place for residents.

According to him, the public destruction of the seized drugs sends a strong message to criminals and those involved in the illicit drug trade.

“Let us be very clear that this is a chance to block criminals from destroying our society, especially the younger generation. We have acted to protect the public,” he said.

Governor Yusuf disclosed that the deployment of security personnel to the identified flashpoints had already yielded positive results, leading to the arrest of suspected criminals and the seizure of illicit drugs from several drug barons.

He also highlighted the state’s Kano Safe Corridor Initiative, describing it as a non-kinetic approach designed to address insecurity through counselling, rehabilitation, empowerment and the reintegration of affected individuals into society.

The governor further revealed that the state government had donated three operational vehicles to the NDLEA to strengthen the agency’s operations in Kano.

He assured that similar support would be extended to other security agencies to enhance their operational capacity and improve security across the state.

Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s determination to sustain collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse and crime, stressing that collective action remains essential to securing the future of Kano’s younger generation.