Stephen Enoch
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Command, is shifting the public narrative from being seen as an enemy of the youth to becoming a lifeline for victims of substance abuse.
The NDLEA State Commander, Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, made this known in an interview with Stallion Times at the Kano command headquarters.
Ahmed said the agency is extending compassion to addicts and intensifying its clampdown on drug traffickers.
According to him, the agency is now prioritizing the treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of drug users, especially young people who have been manipulated into addiction.
Most young drug users, he said, are victims of deceitful cycles and false promises of energy, intelligence, or strength.
“Young people are told these substances will help them study longer or perform better. What they are not told is how these drugs will destroy their bodies, minds, and futures,” he explained.
To combat this, he said the NDLEA has rehabilitation centers across the state where victims are enrolled in skills acquisition programs to learn trades such as tailoring, carpentry, and digital literacy.
“Before they are reintegrated into society, we ensure they have a trade, a purpose, and the tools to live productive lives.
“That’s our mandate under our compassionate Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa.
“The message is clear, If you are using drugs and want help, come to NDLEA.
“We won’t prosecute you. We will assist you, whether self-referred or brought by family, religious leaders, or community elders, drug users are welcomed with empathy.
“It’s just like walking into a hospital. We’ll assess you and design a treatment plan, either through admission or outpatient care.
“We are also calling on parents and guardians to stop hiding drug problems in their homes. Bring your wards to us because hiding them only makes things worse.
“Substance abuse is not a death sentence, it’s treatable, and we are ready to help,” the Commander told Stallion Times.
NDLEA’s Rage on Drug Peddlers
In the past year (June 2024-June 2025) the command has seized a total number of 5,648.956 kg of narcotics.
While the male suspects are 1,310, the female suspects are 32, a total of 1,342 suspects have been arrested.
Rehabilitation and a Better Life for Victims
“For decades, the NDLEA was largely seen through the lens of enforcement arrests, crackdowns, and court cases, but fight against drugs is taking another dimension,
“We are not here to destroy the youthful life of the younger generation, we are here to save them,” the commander said.
While the agency offers hope to victims, it reserves zero tolerance for the peddlers.
Described as the “merchants of death”, the commander revealed that drug peddlers are fueling Kano’s drug crisis, and NDLEA says it’s coming for them.
“We make a distinction between users and traffickers. Victims need help, but peddlers will face the full wrath of the law.
“We work day and night. It’s only a matter of time. If you’re in the trade, we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will prosecute you,” Commander Idris-Ahmad declared.
He explained that the command is now actively seizing assets acquired through drug proceeds.
The commander assured that the NDLEA is stripping drug peddlers of their ill-gotten wealth like houses, cars, and other asset.
‘When we confiscate the asset, all of it becomes the property of the Federal Republic,” he clarified.
According to him, many traffickers operate under the illusion of invincibility.
He added: “They should know that no matter how far they run, no matter how well they hide, the arm of the NDLEA is long and relentless.”
A Call to Action For Society
The command is encouraging families, religious institutions, youth groups, and NGOs to identify those in need and refer them for help.
“It’s a community problem and we urge everyone to be involved.
“This is not about punishment alone, it is about redemption, recovery, and rebuilding.
“Our youth are not lost but they are loved and we are here, with open arms, ready to walk the journey of healing with them,” the commander told Stallion Times.
