The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has appointed a new Commander for its Kano State Strategic Command following redeployment of the outgoing commander, Abubakar Idris-Ahmad.
Idris-Ahmad, who assumed office in Feb.2022, handed over leadership of the command, to a new commander, CN Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal on Friday in Kano.
He announced his redeployment as Deputy Director in the agency’s Directorate of Assets and Financial Investigations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Idris-Ahmad outlined key achievements recorded during his tenure in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, describing the period as a significant phase in strengthening NDLEA’s operation in the state.
He said that the command made substantial progress in reducing the supply and demand for illicit drugs through intelligence-led operations and community engagement.
According to him, over 3,000 suspects were arrested during his tenure, many of whom were successfully prosecuted.
Idris-Ahmad cited landmark convictions, including the sentencing of 12 dealers from the notorious Filin Idi drug den, to a combined 41 years in prison.
“Another major prosecution in May 2025 resulted in 33 years’ imprisonment for four high-profile traffickers, while one notorious dealer received a life sentence,” he said.
He highlighted “Operation Hana Maye” as one of the command’s most successful activities, which dismantled several trafficking networks, led to the arrest of over 400 suspects and resulted in the seizure of large quantities of illicit substances.
He said the command seized over 25 tonnes of various illicit drugs across multiple operations, including a single interception of five million tramadol tablets destined for illegal distribution.
Idris-Ahmad added that the command destroyed 15 tonnes of illicit drugs, uncovered and eradicated over five cannabis plantations and prevented future supply flows by dismantling illegal farms.
He emphasised that enforcement alone was insufficient, adding that the “Catch Them Young” initiative helped to reduce demand by sensitising schools, communities and vulnerable groups, on the dangers of drug abuse.
He said that these collective efforts contributed to a noticeable decline in drug-related cases in Kano, a state previously ranked among those with the highest numbers of such cases since 2018.
The outgoing Commander described the elevation of the Kano State Command to a strategic command, as a major milestone, saying the new status increased its operational scope and capacities to tackle emerging threats.
He commended the Chairman of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba-Marwa (rtd.), Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, security agencies, the media, NGOs, traditional leaders and community groups for their support.
He urged stakeholders to extend the same cooperation to his successor to sustain and deepen progress in the drug war.
Responding, the new commander, CN Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal, expressed appreciation to the NDLEA Chairman, for the confidence reposed in him.
He also thanked his predecessor for the recommendation and stewardship, pledging to consolidate and build on the achievements of the outgoing commander.
“Whatever the outgoing commander has done, we shall sustain the tempo and continue to protect the people of Kano State,” he said.
