Ramadan Safety First: NDLEA Raids Major Kano Drug Den, Arrests 19 Suspects

 

​In a major tactical operation aimed at ensuring a peaceful and crime-free holy month, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully raided a notorious drug hub in Kano State, resulting in the arrest of 19 suspects. The operation, which took place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, is part of a broader "pre-Ramadan" security sweep designed to dismantle criminal hideouts and curb the distribution of illicit substances that often fuel social vices during the festive period. As the state prepares for the 2026 Ramadan season, the NDLEA's decisive action sends a clear warning to drug cartels that there will be no "sanctuary for lawlessness" in the ancient city.

​The Operation: Dismantling the "Kano Drug Den"

​The raid was the result of weeks of intensive surveillance and intelligence gathering by the Kano State Command of the NDLEA. Acting on a "tip-off" from concerned community members, a special strike force stormed a well-known drug colony in the heart of the city.

​During the high-stakes operation, the agency apprehended 19 individuals believed to be major distributors and users of various prohibited substances.

• ​Items Seized: While the final inventory is being processed, initial reports indicate the recovery of significant quantities of cannabis sativa, Tramadol, and various "new psychoactive substances" (NPS) popularly known on the streets as "Man-power" or "Shisha-mix."
• ​The Suspects: The 19 suspects, predominantly young males, are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to help the agency track the larger supply chain.

​Ramadan and Public Safety: A Strategic Crackdown

​The timing of this raid is particularly significant. With Ramadan 2026 just days away, the NDLEA has prioritized the "sanitization" of public spaces to allow for peaceful worship and community gatherings. Historically, drug-induced crimes tend to spike in certain urban corridors, and the agency is determined to prevent such occurrences.

​Kano State NDLEA Commander, in a brief addressed to the media, emphasized that the operation was not a one-off event. "Our mission is to ensure that the sanctity of the holy month is preserved. We are targeting the 'supply side' of the drug menace to ensure that our youths are not influenced by these merchants of death during this spiritual season," the commander stated.

​The "Marwa Effect": NDLEA’s Nationwide Momentum

​This successful raid in Kano is a reflection of the nationwide "War Against Drug Abuse" (WADA) campaign spearheaded by the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd). Since 2025, the agency has adopted a more aggressive, intelligence-led approach to drug enforcement, moving away from simple reactive policing to proactive "den-clearing" operations.

​The "Kano Model" of community-led intelligence is being praised as a template for other northern states struggling with the opioid crisis. By involving local leaders and religious organizations, the NDLEA has managed to break the wall of silence that often protects drug dealers in residential neighborhoods.

​The Impact on the Community

​Kano residents have reacted with overwhelming support for the NDLEA’s latest move. Community leaders in the affected area noted that the raided den had become a "black spot" for petty theft, harassment of women, and the recruitment of minors into drug use.

1. ​Reduced Crime: Clearing these hubs directly leads to a decrease in local "snatch-and-grab" crimes.
2. ​Youth Rehabilitation: The NDLEA has clarified that while the dealers will face the full weight of the law, users among the 19 arrested will be assessed for potential rehabilitation through the agency’s counseling units.
3. ​Spiritual Serenity: For many families, the raid provides a sense of security as they prepare for late-night prayers (Taraweeh) and early-morning meals (Sahur) during Ramadan.

​Conclusion: A Drug-Free Kano is Possible

​The arrest of 19 suspects and the dismantling of a major drug den in Kano is a victory for the rule of law and public health. As the 2026 Ramadan season approaches, the NDLEA’s presence serves as a powerful deterrent. However, the agency maintains that the battle against drugs requires a collective effort. Parents, teachers, and religious leaders must remain vigilant to ensure that the progress made today is not lost tomorrow.

​For now, the message from Kano is loud and clear: the city is being reclaimed, one drug den at a time.