Reported by: Ijeoma .G | Edited by Henry Owen
Kano – The recent recovery of Tramadol and Pregabalin tablets worth 82.7 million Naira by the Kano State Police Command has cast a spotlight on the growing threat of substance abuse among the state’s youth. While law enforcement celebrates a major operational success, health experts and community leaders are warning that behind the seizures lies a broader public health crisis.
In neighborhoods across Kano metropolis, young people have been drawn into the misuse of prescription drugs such as Tramadol and Pregabalin, often seeking quick relief from stress or pursuing the euphoric effects of these substances. Health practitioners report that prolonged abuse can lead to dependency, neurological complications, and behavioral changes that increase the risk of involvement in crime.
Dr. Halima Abdullahi, a specialist in addiction medicine, explained, “We are seeing teenagers and young adults abusing these drugs, which can alter brain chemistry, impair judgment, and escalate aggression. This contributes to petty crime, violence, and accidents, creating a cycle that harms both families and communities.”
Community leaders in Kano emphasize the importance of education and preventive measures alongside policing. Mallam Usman Ibrahim, a trader and father of three, expressed concern over peer influence and accessibility. “Some of our youth are vulnerable because they see others abusing these drugs without consequence. We need continuous awareness campaigns and mentorship programs to guide them away from these habits,” he said.
The recent police crackdown, which also led to the arrest of 105 suspects linked to armed robbery, theft, and drug distribution, has been welcomed as a deterrent. Yet experts caution that enforcement alone cannot solve the underlying problems. “Recovery of drugs is a temporary fix if we do not address the social and economic pressures that drive abuse,” said Dr. Abdullahi. “Families, schools, and community groups must work hand-in-hand with authorities to provide counseling, rehabilitation, and alternatives for at-risk youth.”
Civil society organizations are calling for integrated approaches that combine policing with public health interventions. Aisha Bello, coordinator of a youth advocacy group, highlighted programs aimed at redirecting energy and creativity into productive activities. “Sports, vocational training, and mentorship can help young people find purpose, reducing their susceptibility to drugs,” she said.
Parents, too, are recognizing the urgent need for vigilance. Fatima Aliyu, a mother of two teenagers in Tarauni, said, “We now know that drugs like Tramadol and Pregabalin are not just a medical issue—they affect behavior, school performance, and safety. Families must educate their children and work with authorities to keep communities safe.”
The police have also urged community members to report suspicious sales or distribution of controlled substances. CP Ibrahim Bakori emphasized that intelligence from residents is crucial in identifying hotspots and preventing the proliferation of dangerous drugs.
Analysts note that the Kano case mirrors a broader national trend, where the misuse of prescription drugs among youth intersects with crime, economic hardship, and social vulnerability. Effective solutions, they argue, require sustained collaboration between law enforcement, health authorities, educators, and civil society to break the cycle of abuse.
As Kano residents grapple with the realities of drug misuse, the recent seizures serve as both a warning and an opportunity. Experts and community leaders agree that with consistent awareness campaigns, rehabilitation initiatives, and law enforcement support, the city can protect its youth and foster safer, healthier communities.
“This is a wake-up call for all of us,” Dr. Abdullahi stressed. “We must combine enforcement with education, empathy, and engagement to ensure that our young people have a future free from addiction and crime.”
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