Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, have arrested four suspected illicit drug dealers during a covert operation in Gaida, Kumbotso Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended by personnel attached to the Counter Terrorism Unit based in Dorayi Babba, Gwale Local Government Area, following credible intelligence received by the command concerning suspected drug-related activities in the area.
The NSCDC Public Relations Officer in Kano State, Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday.
According to Abdullahi, the operation was conducted discreetly by operatives of the Counter Terrorism Unit, who acted on intelligence regarding the alleged activities of individuals involved in the distribution and sale of illicit substances in Gaida.
The four suspects were identified as Abubakar Abdullahi, 35; Rabiu Baffa, 25; Aminu Lawan, 35; and Ibrahim Idris, 33. The four men are reportedly residents of Gaida in Kumbotso Local Government Area.
Items allegedly recovered from the suspects included four sachets of Pregabalin 300mg capsules, commonly referred to on the streets as “PG”. Security operatives also reportedly recovered dozens of Diazepam tablets, locally known as “Fara”, as well as three tubes of Oshin Solution, popularly called “Sholisho”.
In addition, the operatives recovered three large packs and 20 smaller parcels of suspected marijuana during the operation.
The arrests have once again drawn attention to concerns over the growing circulation and abuse of psychoactive substances, particularly among young people. Authorities have repeatedly warned that the illegal distribution and misuse of drugs can contribute to a range of public safety and health problems, including addiction, crime, accidents, violence and social instability.
The NSCDC Kano State Commandant, Mohammed Agalama, warned members of the public, especially youths, against engaging in the illegal sale, distribution or abuse of drugs.
Agalama described substance abuse as a serious threat to public safety and the overall wellbeing of society, stressing the need for individuals, families, communities and security agencies to work together to tackle the problem.
He also urged young people to avoid becoming involved in the illicit drug trade, either as dealers or users, warning that participation in drug-related activities could expose individuals to serious legal and social consequences.
Following a preliminary investigation, the NSCDC said the suspects, together with the substances recovered from them, would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano State.
The transfer is expected to enable the NDLEA to conduct further investigation into the alleged drug-related activities and determine the appropriate legal action against the suspects.
The development also underscores the importance of cooperation among security and law-enforcement agencies in addressing drug trafficking and other forms of criminal activity.
Agalama reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with sister security agencies in the fight against drug-related offences and other threats to peace and security across Kano State.
He called on residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information about suspected criminal activities in their communities.
The command assured members of the public that information supplied to security agencies would be treated with strict confidentiality, encouraging residents to cooperate with authorities without fear of exposure or retaliation.
The NSCDC further emphasised that community cooperation remains an important component of efforts to prevent crime and protect communities.
The arrest of the four suspects is therefore expected to form part of the broader security efforts aimed at disrupting the distribution of illicit substances and preventing drug-related activities from taking root in communities across Kano State.
The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the law.
