The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano State has achieved a significant victory in its war against drug abuse, apprehending no fewer than 230 suspects in a sweeping, month-long operation.
Major Haul from Notorious Hotspots
Commander Abubakar Idris Ahmad of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command revealed the details to journalists on Friday, November 21, 2025. He stated that the intensive, 30-day crackdown specifically targeted known drug hubs across the state.
The non-stop raids covered areas including Kofar Ruwa, Tashar Rami, Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna, Zage, Dorayi Karshen Waya, Dawanau, Filin Idi, Rimi Market, Zango, Kano Line, and Kofar Mata.
The operation led to the seizure of large quantities of illicit substances, such as cannabis sativa, EXOL-5, diazepam, "suck and die," rubber solution, and codeine syrup. Authorities also confiscated several locally made weapons during the raids.
Collaborative Effort Yields Success
Commander Ahmad emphasized that the operation's success was a result of enhanced coordination among various security agencies. The effort was executed under the Kano State Joint Taskforce for Peace Restoration and Youth Rehabilitation.
He commended the collaborative spirit of sister agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Ahmad specifically praised the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori for strengthening inter-agency unity and lauded the DSS for its crucial surveillance support. He also acknowledged the backing of the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose initiatives have reinforced anti-drug and youth rehabilitation programs.
Impact and Call for Public Support
The commander noted that the crackdown has already produced positive results, leading to a noticeable reduction in drug misuse and related crimes such as phone snatching and thuggery in communities across Kano.
He applauded the professionalism of all officers involved and issued a strong appeal to residents, parents, civil society groups, and community leaders to continue their support in the fight against the menace of drug abuse.
Cocaine Seizure in Lagos Port
In a related development, the NDLEA has secured a court order for the detention of a vessel, MV Nord Bosporus, and its crew at the Apapa seaport in Lagos.
The agency intercepted the ship, which arrived from Santos, Brazil, and discovered 20 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed beneath its cargo on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
The ship's Master, Captain Quino Eugene Corpus, and 19 other crew members, all Filipinos, were taken into custody. The Federal High Court in Lagos, under Justice Musa Kakaki, granted an initial 14-day detention order on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
Preliminary investigations indicate that this was the vessel's first voyage to Nigeria and the African continent, having previously been used to transport coal between Colombia and Brazil.
