The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has uncovered a network of caves and underground tunnels used as hideouts for illicit drug consumption and trafficking in the Rimin Kebe area of Kano.
The discovery, made during a targeted operation code-named, ‘Operation Sharar Mafaka’, led to the dislodgement of several concealed structures allegedly used by drug dealers as both residences and trading points.
Spokesperson of the command, Sadiq Maigatari, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the operation followed actionable intelligence and sustained surveillance by operatives under the leadership of the Commander, Dahiru Yahaya Lawal.
According to the statement, NDLEA officers stormed the area on Monday evening, where they confirmed the existence of multiple caves that had been deliberately constructed and modified to serve as hideouts.
Some of the caves were reportedly furnished with household items, including mats, pillows, food flasks, plates, and cutlery, indicating prolonged occupation and regular use.
The agency further revealed that some of the underground structures appeared to be interconnected through tunnels, while others were still under construction, suggesting an expanding network of illicit activity in the area.
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Maigatari said operatives have since dismantled several of the caves and tunnels, with plans underway to demolish the remaining structures and secure the location to prevent further use by drug peddlers.
The statement quoted Commander Lawal as reiterating the agency’s resolve to clamp down on drug-related activities across the state.
“We will continue to pursue these unscrupulous elements wherever they hide. Our commitment is unwavering. Those who remain in the illicit trade should consider exiting now. We have come to stay until Kano is free from illicit drug use and trafficking,” he said.
The operation, he added, aligns with the directive of the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), to intensify the crackdown on drug networks nationwide.
The command also appealed to residents to support ongoing efforts by providing timely information on suspicious activities, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in combating substance abuse and illegal drug trade in the state.
