The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 80 suspects and dismantled 16 notorious drug joints across Kano State during the first seven days of its ongoing “Operation Restore Order.”
The operation, which began on August 10, 2026, is focused on disrupting illicit drug trafficking and abuse while reclaiming communities affected by drug-related activities.
According to the NDLEA Commander, Kano Strategic Command, CN DY Lawal, the operation is being conducted under a “dislodge-and-occupy” strategy in line with the directive of the agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.).
80 suspects arrested in seven days
Between August 10 and 16, NDLEA operatives carried out intelligence-led raids across several locations identified as major hubs for drug trafficking and abuse.
The targeted areas included Filin Mahaha, Koki, Dorayi, Rijiyar Lemo, Charanchi, Kasuwar Kurmi and Zage.
Other locations affected by the operation included Gwammaja, Sauna, Wambai, Yan Ayaba, Indabawa, Bela Village, Farm Center, Masaka and Panshekara, among others.
During the raids, operatives recovered various illicit substances and materials allegedly connected to drug trafficking and abuse.
Items recovered included cannabis sativa, diazepam, Exol-5, rubber solution, “Suck and Die,” other narcotics, cutting agents and packaging materials.
The agency also reported recovering locally manufactured weapons and other tools allegedly used in connection with illicit drug activities.
NDLEA vows to sustain crackdown
Lawal described the operation as intelligence-driven and said the command would continue targeting locations and networks involved in the illegal drug trade.
“This operation is intelligence-led and resolute. The directive from our Chairman and CEO is clear: we must restore order and protect our communities,” Lawal said.
He warned individuals still involved in drug trafficking and abuse to stop, stressing that the command would not relent in its efforts to tackle the problem across Kano State.
The 80 suspects arrested during the operation are expected to be processed and prosecuted in accordance with the law, while investigations will continue to uncover and dismantle wider trafficking networks.
Dislodged drug joints to remain under surveillance
The NDLEA said Operation Restore Order will continue and expand based on intelligence gathered by its operatives.
As part of the strategy, the agency plans to maintain an “occupation” presence in locations that have been cleared to prevent traffickers and drug dealers from quickly returning.
The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist law enforcement agencies in identifying drug trafficking networks.
According to the NDLEA, sustained community cooperation and intelligence sharing will be critical to preventing the re-emergence of drug hotspots and ensuring that major offenders are brought to justice.
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