The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 12.2 tonnes of illicit drugs seized from traffickers in Kano State as part of efforts to curb drug abuse and disrupt criminal networks involved in narcotics trafficking.
The destroyed substances included cannabis, cocaine, heroin, tramadol, codeine, methamphetamine and other psychotropic drugs recovered during enforcement operations across Kano State and at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The public destruction was carried out on Monday by the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command as part of the agency’s ongoing War Against Drug Abuse campaign.
According to the agency, the drugs were recovered through intelligence-driven operations, coordinated raids and sustained enforcement actions targeting notorious drug hotspots and trafficking routes. Investigations also uncovered sophisticated concealment methods adopted by traffickers, including underground tunnels and caves used to store illicit substances.
Commander of the Kano Strategic Command, CN Dahiru Lawal, said the exercise was aimed at ensuring that seized drugs never find their way back into circulation.
“Our message is clear: illicit drugs have no place in our communities. Every seizure and every destruction exercise represents another step toward protecting lives and weakening criminal organisations that profit from addiction and insecurity,” he said.
Lawal disclosed that the command had recorded significant operational successes this year, with 904 suspects—869 males and 35 females—arrested since January 2026 and more than 2.5 tonnes of illicit drugs seized.
He added that the command had secured over 54 convictions, with some offenders sentenced to prison terms of up to 15 years.
Representing the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Operations and General Investigations, DCGN Ahmed Ningi, described the exercise as a demonstration of the agency’s resolve to combat drug trafficking and safeguard communities.
“This exercise sends a strong warning to criminal syndicates that drug trafficking will not be tolerated. It also reflects our determination to safeguard communities through aggressive enforcement, supply chain monitoring and preventive interventions,” he said.
Ningi added that the agency would continue strengthening drug control efforts through public awareness campaigns, alternative livelihood programmes for farmers and drug integrity testing initiatives in educational institutions.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Government reaffirmed its support for the agency’s anti-drug campaign, describing the destruction exercise as a demonstration of the collective commitment to protecting residents from the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.