The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State Strategic Command, says it has arrested 230 suspects and seized large quantities of illicit substances during a 30-day coordinated operation across the state.
The State Commander, Mr Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, disclosed on Friday in Kano during a press briefing, said that the command had recently recorded significant achievements in the fight against drug abuse and related crimes.
He explained that the operation was conducted under the Kano State Joint Taskforce for Peace Restoration and Youth Rehabilitation.
He noted that the agency carried out its operations in collaboration with the Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Correctional Service and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Idris-Ahmad further stated that the raids had targeted several notorious drug hotspots, including Kofar Ruwa, Tashar Rami, Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna, and Mile Tara,
Also raided included spots like Zage, Dorayi Karshen Waya, Dawanau, Filin Idi, Research, Rimi Market, Zango, Kofar Mata, Kano Line and Ladanai, among other locations.
According to him, the operatives recovered cannabis sativa, Exol-5, diazepam, codeine syrup, “suck and die”, rubber solution, as well as several locally made weapons.
He said some of the suspects had already been charged to court while others were still under investigation.
“The impact of this operation is already visible. Residents have witnessed a reduction in substance abuse and crimes such as thuggery and phone snatching,” he said.
The commander attributed the success to synergy among security agencies, describing it as key to restoring peace and public safety in the state.
Idris-Ahmad commended the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu-Bakori, for his leadership and support, as well as the DSS for intelligence gathering that strengthened the operation.
He also lauded the Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf for his administration’s consistent support to agencies fighting drug abuse and thuggery.
“We are grateful for the unwavering support of the state government. This has boosted our security and rehabilitation initiatives,” he said.
Idris-Ahmad urged parents, community leaders and civil society organisations to collaborate with security agencies in combating drug abuse.
“Together, we can build a safer and healthier Kano State,” he added
The chairman of the Joint Taskforce Committee on Peace Restoration and Youth Rehabilitation, Dr Yusuf Ibrahim-Kofarmata, commended the effort of the security agencies.
He noted that the state government was committed to sustaining the fight against drug abuse.
Ibrahim-Kofarmata, who is also the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, said some suspects had already begun rehabilitation, while others would face prosecution upon completion of investigations.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting security agencies with the resources needed to maintain peace and order.