Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Kano State Police Command has recorded another major success in its ongoing campaign against drug trafficking and violent street crime, following a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of a suspected drug dealer and five alleged thugs in the Jaoji area of Kano metropolis. The operation, carried out in the early days of January, is part of a broader security strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring public confidence in community safety across the state.
Police officers attached to the Jaoji Police Division conducted the operation on January 10, 2026, acting on actionable intelligence and sustained surveillance of suspected criminal activities within the area. During the raid, officers arrested a 25-year-old man identified as Hafizu Ali, a resident of Jaoji Quarters, who is suspected to be actively involved in the distribution of illicit drugs. Alongside him, five other individuals believed to be thugs were apprehended in connection with activities that authorities say posed a threat to public order and safety.
According to police sources, a substantial quantity of illicit substances was recovered from the suspected drug dealer at the time of arrest. The items seized included 2,070 capsules believed to be Pregabalin, a prescription medication increasingly abused for its psychoactive effects, as well as 23 parcels of a substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa. Law enforcement officials described the volume of drugs recovered as significant, noting that such quantities suggest an intent to distribute rather than personal use.
In addition to the suspected drugs, officers also recovered a cache of dangerous weapons from the five individuals arrested alongside the suspected dealer. The items included four knives, two scissors, and an axe, raising concerns about the potential for violent crimes within the community had the suspects not been intercepted. Police investigators believe the weapons may have been intended for use in assaults, intimidation, or other criminal activities linked to street-level violence and drug-related disputes.
The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, praised the officers involved in the operation for what he described as professionalism, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to duty. He emphasized that the successful arrests were a direct result of intelligence-led policing and effective coordination within the command. The commissioner also reiterated that the operation was conducted under his directive, in line with the broader national policing strategy championed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
Police authorities stated that the Inspector-General has consistently directed all commands and formations across the country to intensify crime prevention measures, particularly those targeting drug trafficking, cultism, and violent gangs. These directives, they said, are designed to disrupt criminal networks at their roots, prevent the proliferation of illicit drugs, and enhance the overall safety of residents in urban and semi-urban communities.
The Kano State Police Command noted that drug abuse remains one of the key drivers of violent crime, youth restiveness, and social instability in the state. Officials warned that substances such as Pregabalin, when misused, can lead to addiction, impaired judgment, and aggressive behavior, contributing to a cycle of crime that affects families and neighborhoods alike. The command said it remains committed to working with other security agencies, community leaders, and civil society groups to address both the supply and demand sides of the drug problem.
Residents of Jaoji and surrounding areas have welcomed the arrests, with some community members expressing relief over the removal of what they described as a persistent source of fear and insecurity. While police did not disclose whether the suspects are linked to a wider syndicate, investigators confirmed that efforts are ongoing to determine the full scope of their activities and any possible connections to other criminal elements within and outside Kano State.
The arrested suspects are currently in police custody and are undergoing further investigation. Authorities said that once investigations are concluded, all suspects will be charged to court in accordance with the law. The police command stressed that due process will be followed and that the suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
In his response to the operation, Commissioner Bakori also expressed gratitude to the people of Kano State for their continued cooperation and support, noting that timely information from members of the public often plays a crucial role in successful policing outcomes. He urged residents to remain vigilant and to continue sharing credible information with security agencies to help sustain the gains recorded in recent months.
The Kano State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and called on citizens to promptly report any suspicious activities or movements within their communities. Police officials emphasized that public participation remains a cornerstone of effective policing and assured residents that all information provided will be treated with confidentiality and acted upon swiftly.
As Kano continues to grapple with the challenges of urbanization, youth unemployment, and the spread of illicit drugs, security experts say sustained enforcement, combined with community engagement and social interventions, will be critical to achieving long-term stability. The latest arrests, they argue, send a clear signal that law enforcement authorities are determined to confront criminality head-on and protect the lives and property of residents across the state.
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