Drug trafficking rising in Kano as Police profile 2,000 dealers, addicts

Drug trafficking and addiction are said to be on the increase in Kano State, North-West, Nigeria, as cases of drug abuse spread like wide fire, cutting across the nooks and crannies of the State and the neighbouring States.

Though, Security Agencies have undertaken series of crackdown and arrests over the time, the situation seems not abating as drug traffickers and addicts are increasing on a daily basis.

The Nigeria Police Force, Kano State Police Command at a recent security update and press conference in the State declared that over 2,000 drug dealers and addicts had been profiling, leading to crackdown and arrests of some of them.

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Consequently, the security experts and civil society actors have called for a sustained Government action to address rising urban crimes in Kano, warning that unchecked criminal activities could pose risks to public safety and the political environment as Nigeria gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections.

The warning came as the Kano State Police Command announced that it recorded a notable reduction in criminal activities, including drug trafficking across the State during the first quarter of 2026, attributing the progress to intensified security operations and improved collaboration with communities and other security agencies.

Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, the Commissioner of Police in Kano, said at a press briefing at Kano State Police Command Headquarters in Bompai that the Command had adopted a mix of community policing, intelligence-led operations and the deployment of technology to combat crimes such as thuggery, armed robbery, kidnapping and cybercrime.

According to him, a special security initiative known as Operation Kukan Kura had played a key role in tackling violent street gangs locally referred to as Fadan Daba, a longstanding security challenge in parts of Kano metropolis.

“The operation has significantly curtailed the activities of thugs and contributed to improved public safety,” Bakori said.

He also disclosed that the Command had compiled a database of suspected drug dealers using open-source intelligence and public tip-offs.

“We have received over 2,000 names of suspected drug dealers, with some names appearing multiple times. These names are currently being profiled and verified with a view to taking decisive action,” he said.

Bakori further revealed that the Police Command had stepped up coordination with other Security Agencies to prevent the infiltration of armed bandits from neighbouring States, while also resolving farmer–herder tensions in rural communities through dialogue and community engagement.

He noted that several suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, drug trafficking and cybercrime had been arrested and prosecuted during the period under review.

The Police chief reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing in line with directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, stressing the need for professionalism and discipline among officers.

Bakori also acknowledged the support of the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely information.

Despite the Police report of improved security outcomes, civil society organisations say the situation requires sustained attention, particularly in urban neighbourhoods where drug abuse and youth gang activities remain persistent concerns.

Hamza Aminu Fagge, Kano-based activist with the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), described the arrests of suspected drug dealers and gang members as encouraging but warned that the trend should serve as a wake-up call for authorities.

According to him, addressing urban crime now is critical to ensuring a stable political environment ahead of the next electoral cycle.

“This development should serve as a wake-up call to government, especially as the campaigns for the 2027 elections will soon begin,” Fagge said.

“If nothing is done to tackle the root causes of crime and drug abuse among young people, it could pose a danger to the conduct of peaceful elections.”

Fagge stressed that beyond security operations, parents and communities also have a role to play in preventing youth involvement in crime.

“Parents must be alive to their responsibilities by keeping a watchful eye on their children and wards,” he said.

The activist noted that in the Fagge area of Kano metropolis, several individuals known for dealing in illicit drugs had already come under the watch of security agencies.

“In our area, there are known dealers. Just last month about three of them were arrested,” he added.

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Another civil society activist, Salisu Indabawa, commended the Police for what he described as decisive action against individuals allegedly contributing to social decay.

Indabawa said the arrests demonstrated a growing political will by Authorities to confront urban crime and drug trafficking networks that fuel youth violence.

“It is a positive development to see those responsible for the destruction of society being taken into custody,” he said.

However, he stressed that Security Agencies must maintain consistency in their operations and ensure that suspects are properly prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.

Observers note that Kano, one of Nigeria’s most populous commercial centres, has in recent years faced periodic outbreaks of youth gang violence and drug-related crime in densely populated neighbourhoods.

Experts say the combination of unemployment, substance abuse and political mobilisation of youths during election cycles has historically contributed to urban insecurity in parts of the State.

Security analysts therefore believe that sustained policing, community participation and social interventions targeting vulnerable youths will be essential to consolidating recent gains recorded by the Police Command.

For now, authorities insist that ongoing reforms and security initiatives will continue in order to ensure that Kano remains safe for residents, businesses and political activities in the years ahead.