Kano Task Force Seizes Illicit, Expired Drugs Worth Over ₦1.5bn

Kano, Feb. 11, 2026 — The Kano State Government Task Force Committee on Motor Parks and Other Public Places has confiscated illicit, expired and counterfeit drugs valued at more than ₦1.5 billion from the Kanawa Pharmaceutical Coordinated Wholesale Centre in Dan-Gwauro, Kumbotso Local Government Area.

The operation followed a formal notification from market leadership offering to hand over seized drugs for proper destruction, and intelligence reports from undercover agents about additional illicit stock within the market.

During a late-night raid, task force members forced open a storage facility in the market office and uncovered a large stockpile of suspected illicit Hyxul drugs estimated to be worth over ₦1 billion.

Earlier, the Chairman of the market, Alhaji Husaini Labaran Zakari, handed over a separate batch of confiscated and expired drugs, some seized by market authorities and others voluntarily surrendered by their owners.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been informed and is monitoring developments, according to Zakari.

Task Force Chairman, retired Major Adamu Abubakar Usman, described the seizure as significant, noting the confiscated drugs filled an entire trailer. He said the items would be handed over to the state government for appropriate action and disposal.

The task force was established by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and trafficking across Kano in line with the administration’s zero-tolerance policy on illicit substances.

Major Usman credited the success of the operation to credible intelligence and cooperation from market leaders, and urged traders to assist authorities by providing information on illegal drug activities.

The confiscated drugs were transported by trailer to the Kano State Government House for further processing and destruction.

Source: tribuneonlineng.com