Kano State has witnessed one of its largest coordinated security crackdowns in recent months, with 97 suspects arrested in sweeping operations targeting drug trafficking, vandalism, and thuggery.
The four-day exercise, spearheaded by the Kano State Joint Task Force Committee for Peace Restoration and Youth Rehabilitation, was carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Police Force. According to NDLEA spokesperson Sadiq Maigatari, 78 suspects were arrested during raids on notorious hotspots including Mariri Yan’itace, Fagge, Badawa, Kasuwar Rimi, Masallacin Idi, Yankaba, Hotoro Flyover, Kofar Mata, Rijiyar Zaki, and Jakara.
Additional raids extended to Rumfa College, Dan’agundi Graveyard, and Kofar Wambai. Recovered exhibits included cannabis sativa, Diazepam, Exol-5, Pregabalin, rubber solution, and locally abused substances such as “Suck and Die.”
Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata, who leads the task force, reaffirmed the government’s “unwavering commitment to stamping out drug abuse and thuggery in Kano.” He commended the combined efforts of security agencies and urged youths to shun crime.
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In a separate but connected clampdown, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) paraded 19 suspects accused of vandalising electricity installations, telecom cables, and drainage systems in Madobi, Tudunwada, Gwale, Minjibir, and Kumbotso local government areas.
The State Commandant, Bala Bodinga, who only recently assumed duty in Kano, said recovered items included aluminium cables worth tens of thousands of naira, 6.1kg of armoured transformer cables, working tools, a motorcycle, and illegal substances. He warned that vandalism not only drains the economy but also puts lives at risk, stressing that all suspects will face prosecution.
The NDLEA, NSCDC, and police urged residents to work closely with security agencies by sharing timely intelligence. They assured that the joint offensive will continue until criminal networks in Kano are dismantled and peace is restored.
