NDLEA Raids Kano Drug Hotspots, Arrests 21 Suspects Days After Vehicle Donation

By Chinenye Onwusonye

The Kano Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on illicit drug activities, arresting 21 suspects and recovering a range of illegal substances and weapons during coordinated raids across the state.

In a press release signed by Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics and Public Relations Officer of the Command, and dated April 12, 2026, the agency disclosed that the operation followed the recent donation of three operational vehicles by the Kano State Government.

According to the statement, operatives under the leadership of Commander CN DY Lawal launched the raids on April 11, 2026, targeting several identified drug dens and hotspots, including Filin Idi, Hotoro, Mariri, Fagge, and the Farm Center along Zaria Road.

The agency reported that the operation led to the seizure of various illicit substances such as Cannabis Sativa, Pregabalin, codeine-based cough syrups, and rubber solution commonly abused as an inhalant. Officers also recovered a number of locally-made weapons from the suspects.

The statement noted that some of the suspects attempted to resist arrest and attacked operatives with the weapons but were successfully subdued and taken into custody without casualties.

Further investigations are ongoing to identify key figures in the drug trade and to prepare cases for prosecution.

Commenting on the development, Commander Lawal stated that the newly donated vehicles had significantly enhanced the Command’s operational capacity, enabling quicker response to intelligence and wider coverage of criminal hotspots.

He warned individuals still involved in drug-related activities to desist, stressing that the agency would sustain visible enforcement efforts to rid communities of illicit drugs.

The NDLEA Kano Strategic Command reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking, while urging members of the public to support its efforts through credible information sharing and cooperation with law enforcement authorities.