Kano Drug Task Force Reports 380 Arrests as 870,000 Pregabalin Capsules Seized From Pharmaceutical Company

The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has reported more than 380 arrests and over 230 convictions during its first two months of operations, alongside the seizure of about 870,000 Pregabalin capsules from a pharmaceutical company over suspected diversion for illicit use.

Task Force Chairman Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado disclosed the figures on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, while briefing journalists in Kano on the Task Force’s activities since its inauguration in July. (Voice of Nigeria)

More than 380 arrested, 230 convicted

According to Rimin Gado, the Task Force has carried out joint operations targeting drug hotspots and locations associated with the sale and distribution of illicit substances across the state.

The operations reportedly resulted in the arrest of more than 380 suspects, with over 230 subsequently convicted for drug-related offences.

The Task Force also reported recovering substances including Cannabis sativa, Exol-5, Diazepam, Pentazocine, Tramadol and Pregabalin, alongside a designer drug containing methamphetamine. (Channels Television)

870,000 Pregabalin capsules seized

One of the developments highlighted during the briefing was the seizure of approximately 870,000 Pregabalin capsules from a pharmaceutical company in Kano.

The Task Force said the medicines were suspected to have been diverted for illicit use and raised concerns about compliance with pharmaceutical warehouse and medicine-control requirements.

The company involved has not been publicly identified in the reports reviewed by Pharmacy Times Nigeria, and the Task Force has not publicly disclosed the specific evidence underlying the suspected diversion.

The development therefore remains an enforcement matter under investigation, rather than a finding that the unnamed company or its personnel committed an offence.

The chairman urged pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy managers and superintendent pharmacists to strengthen internal controls and monitoring of medicines within the pharmaceutical supply chain. (Channels Television)

43 children rescued from intoxicating substances

The Task Force also reported the rescue of 43 underage children who had allegedly been exposed to intoxicating substances while engaged in street scavenging.

Two men identified as Kabiru Isa, popularly known as Mada, and Usman Hamisu, known as Mani, were convicted in connection with supplying intoxicating substances to the children.

The rescued children reportedly underwent medical examinations and received counselling and treatment, while authorities worked towards identifying and reuniting them with their families.

Rehabilitation facilities face pressure

The enforcement campaign has also increased demand for rehabilitation services.

The Task Force said about 125 people had been referred to the Kano Reformatory Institute in Kiru for rehabilitation, bringing the facility to capacity.

The chairman said the Kano State Government had provided an additional rehabilitation facility in Tofa Local Government Area in response to the increased demand.

The Task Force has also announced a target of rehabilitating 10,000 youths through treatment, skills acquisition and reintegration programmes. (Voice of Nigeria)

Task Force to continue operations

The Task Force said its activities combine enforcement with public education, rehabilitation and community engagement.

Its operations have involved security agencies and other stakeholders, while awareness activities have been conducted in communities, schools, markets and religious institutions.

The Task Force said operations against drug hotspots would continue, particularly in areas where children and young people are exposed to illicit and intoxicating substances.

For the pharmaceutical sector, the reported Pregabalin seizure highlights the importance of effective medicine inventory controls, supply-chain monitoring and accountability in preventing the diversion of medicines from legitimate distribution channels.

The identity of the pharmaceutical company involved and further details of the investigation remain undisclosed.

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