On Tuesday, the Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the arrest of a criminal gang that specialised in bringing cannabis to northern Nigeria and selling it to different sellers.

The two members of the syndicate were apprehended at Garindau near the Wudil bridge, Wudil local government area of Kano State, according to the acting public relations officer for the command, ASN Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, who also confirmed their arrest. The interception led to the discovery of an incredible 116 bags of cannabis, totaling an astounding 1,553.1 kg.

Using intelligence reports, Maigatari claimed that the eagle-eyed officers were able to locate and snare the drugs, which were loaded from Lokoja and travelling to Jigawa.

He named the two suspects who had been detained as Muhammad Abubakar, 18, and Jonathan Nuhu, 45, both of Kanke village in Plateau State’s Kumbotso local government area.

He claims that on July 19, 2023, “the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State Command, intercepted a sizeable amount of Cannabis Sativa, dismantling a huge drug syndicate in the process.

“The bust, which took place at Garindau near the bridge of Wudil in the Wudil local government area of Kano State, resulted in the seizure of a whopping 116 bags of cannabis, weighing in at an astonishing 1,553.1 kg. The stash included 50 bags of compressed cannabis, with each bag containing 25 blocks summing up to 1,250 blocks, in addition to 66 bags of loose quantities of the drug.

“This successful operation was the result of a well-coordinated surveillance operation, based on vital intelligence reports along with the coordination of resources and personnel. The officers, who have been on the case for two months, were able to track and intercept the drugs, which were loaded from Lokoja and en route to Jigawa.

“During the operation, two suspects were apprehended: Jonathan Nuhu, a 45-year-old from Kanke village in Plateau State, and Muhammad Abubakar, an 18-year-old from Kumbotso local government area of Kano State. Both individuals are believed to be part of a larger drug syndicate that specializes in transporting cannabis to northern Nigeria and distributing it to various dealers.

“The arrest is a significant accomplishment for the Agency in the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect public safety. It represents a major blow to the illegal drug trade and disrupts the supply chain for distributing drugs in Kano and neighboring states.

“Despite the success of the operation, two other suspects managed to evade capture at the point of arrest and remain at large. The NDLEA is continuing its efforts to bring these criminals to justice.

“This case serves as a testament to the diligence and bravery of the NDLEA officers, who are on the front lines in the fight against drug trafficking. The State Command under Abubakar Idris Ahmad, CN, will remain vigilant and dedicated to its mission of upholding the law and protecting the good people of Kano State,” the Command’s Acting Public Relations Officer, ASN Maigatari however stated.