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NDLEA Nabs 1,018 Suspects, Seizes 2.4 Tonnes of Illicit Drugs in Katsina
The Katsina State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested 1,018 suspected drug offenders and confiscated more than 2.4 tonnes of illegal drugs across the state in 2025.
The state commander, Mr Samaila Danmalam, disclosed this on Tuesday during the command’s end-of-year press briefing held in Katsina. He said the achievements were recorded through sustained intelligence-driven operations, including raids and patrols carried out in different parts of the state to disrupt drug trafficking networks and curb substance abuse.
According to Danmalam, those arrested included 992 males and 26 females. He added that a total of 2,473.755 kilogrammes of illicit substances were seized during the period. The drugs recovered comprised 1,667.747 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, 793.66 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances, and 12.348 kilogrammes of codeine syrup.
He noted that the consistent enforcement operations significantly weakened the activities of drug traffickers operating within Katsina State.
On prosecution, the NDLEA commander said 86 suspects were taken to court during the year, while 87 convictions were secured. He attributed the successful prosecutions to improved coordination between investigators and prosecutors, as well as effective cooperation with the judiciary.
Danmalam also highlighted the agency’s efforts in reducing drug demand through its War Against Drug Abuse campaign. He said the initiative reached 75,135 people through 203 sensitisation programmes conducted in 2025. In addition, the command’s drug demand reduction unit provided counselling services to 451 drug users, while 58 individuals were admitted for rehabilitation, describing the approach as critical to addressing drug abuse among youths and other vulnerable groups.
Despite the successes, Danmalam said the command continued to face operational challenges, including a shortage of operational vehicles, poor office infrastructure—especially drainage facilities—and inadequate accommodation for officers. He appealed to government authorities, stakeholders and well-meaning individuals to assist in addressing the gaps.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the reappointment of retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa as NDLEA chairman, describing his leadership as impactful. He also praised Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, for supporting the command through vehicle refurbishment and sponsorship of rehabilitation programmes.
The NDLEA boss further acknowledged the cooperation of traditional rulers, including the Emir of Katsina and the Emir of Daura, as well as security agencies such as the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade.
Danmalam assured residents that the agency would continue its fight against drug trafficking and abuse in the state, stressing that community support and timely information sharing were essential to sustaining progress.
He said tackling drug-related crimes required collective effort, adding that protecting communities remained a shared responsibility.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.
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