As the world marked the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano State showcased significant gains in its fight against drug abuse and trafficking, announcing hundreds of arrests, dozens of convictions, and extensive rehabilitation efforts within the first half of the year.
The achievements were disclosed on Thursday by the Commander of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal, during a road walk and public sensitisation campaign held to commemorate the global observance.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26, seeks to raise awareness about the dangers posed by illicit drugs and their impact on societies worldwide. This year’s theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” underscores the need for renewed strategies in tackling drug-related crimes and addiction.
Highlighting the command’s performance between January and June 2026, Yahaya-Lawal revealed that more than 400 suspected drug offenders were arrested across the state.
According to him, the suspects, comprising both men and women, were apprehended for various drug-related offences as the agency intensified its enforcement activities.
The command also recorded major seizures during the period, confiscating over 2,000 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs and controlled substances. The seized items included cannabis sativa, diazepam, pregabalin, Exol-5 and a substance locally known as “suck and die,” among other narcotics.
Beyond arrests and seizures, the agency secured notable successes in prosecution. Yahaya-Lawal announced that more than 50 offenders were convicted by the Federal High Court and sentenced to various jail terms.
The agency also expanded its rehabilitation and support services for drug users seeking recovery.
“The agency also rehabilitated and counselled more than 300 clients within the period reviewed,” he said.
In addition to enforcement and rehabilitation efforts, the NDLEA intensified public enlightenment campaigns across Kano State. The command carried out corporate sensitisation programmes, grassroots advocacy and awareness campaigns in schools, markets, communities and places of worship, aimed at educating residents on the dangers of substance abuse.
Despite the successes recorded, the commander identified inadequate information sharing and poor cooperation from some individuals and communities as major obstacles affecting the agency’s operations.
He reiterated the command’s determination to sustain pressure on drug traffickers and users, urging those involved in illicit drug activities to abandon the trade and embrace legitimate means of livelihood.
Yahaya-Lawal also appealed to residents to adopt healthy lifestyles and stay away from substance abuse, stressing that community participation remains crucial in the fight against drugs.
The commander commended the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba-Marwa, and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf for their continued support of the agency’s activities.
He further praised officers and men of the command, other security agencies, the media and relevant stakeholders for contributing to the successes achieved so far.
Assuring residents that the agency would not relent in its mission, Yahaya-Lawal said the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command would continue to deploy intelligence-led operations, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and deepen community partnerships to dismantle drug networks and create a safer society.
He also called on members of the public, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to provide timely and actionable information that would aid the agency’s ongoing crackdown on illicit drug trafficking and abuse across the state.
