Writing by Abdullahi Jalaluddeen;Editing by Abubakar Hamza.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has arrested 80 suspects and dislodged 16 notorious drug joints across the State within the first seven days of its “Operation Restore Order”.
The operation, which commenced on Aug. 10 under a “dislodge-and-occupy” strategy, was aimed at disrupting illicit drug trafficking and abuse and restoring order in communities affected by drug-related activities.
The NDLEA Commander, Kano Strategic Command, CN DY Lawal, said the operation was conducted in line with the directive of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), CON, OFR.
He pointed out that NDLEA teams, between Aug. 10 and Aug. 16, raided and dislodged several locations identified as hubs for drug trafficking and abuse, including Filin Mahaha, Koki, Dorayi, Rijiyar Lemo, Charanchi, Kasuwar Kurmi and Zage.
Other locations targeted included Gwammaja, Sauna, Wambai, Yan Ayaba, Indabawa, Bela Village, Farm Center, Masaka and Panshekara, among others.
Lawal maintained that the operatives recovered various illicit substances and drug-related paraphernalia, including Cannabis sativa, Diazepam, Exol-5, rubber solution, locally known substances as “Suck and Die”, other narcotics, cutting agents and packaging materials.
He noted that locally manufactured weapons and other tools allegedly used in illicit drug activities were also recovered during the operations.
“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 those still involved in illicit drug activities to desist, stressing that the command would not relent in its efforts to rid Kano of drug abuse and trafficking.
The commander noted that the arrested suspects would be processed and prosecuted in accordance with the law, while investigations would continue to identify and dismantle wider drug trafficking networks.
According to Lawal “Operation Restore Order” would be sustained and expanded based on intelligence, with continued occupation of dislodged locations and follow-up enforcement to prevent their immediate reoccupation.
He appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and support the campaign by providing timely and credible information to the agency.
The Commander added that community cooperation and intelligence sharing remain critical to sustaining the gains of the operation and ensuring that major drug offenders are brought to justice.
