Police link 70% of crimes in Kano to drug abuse, uncover 513 suspected dealers

A police report has linked more than 70 per cent of major crimes in Kano State to drug abuse and trafficking, highlighting a strong connection between narcotics and the persistent wave of thuggery locally known as Fadan Daba.

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The confidential report, obtained by PRNigeria, revealed that drug abuse has become a key driver of organised thuggery groups involved in violent clashes, armed attacks and street fights across the state.

Compiled by the Kano State Police Command under Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, the document disclosed that 3,081 suspects were arrested for major offences in 2025, with a significant number linked to drug-related activities.

The findings portray a troubling situation in which illicit drug networks are not only thriving but also fuelling violent crimes that result in deaths, injuries and destruction of property.

In a rare move, the command adopted a crowdsourcing strategy using open-source intelligence to map suspected drug networks. Through its Public Relations Unit led by Abdullahi Kiyawa, the police published two mobile numbers on social media, urging residents to submit names and addresses of suspected drug dealers.

The initiative drew widespread response, with 513 names submitted from all 44 local government areas of the state. Some individuals were reportedly mentioned multiple times, indicating entrenched and widely recognised drug networks within communities.

Police sources said the list is undergoing verification and analysis for possible enforcement action, noting that the volume of submissions reflects growing public willingness to support law enforcement efforts.

“This initiative has shown that communities are aware of the problem and are ready to support efforts to address it,” a senior police source said.

However, the report warned that the situation could worsen without decisive intervention.

“If this menace is not confronted with all seriousness, the crime rate in Kano State will continue to escalate, posing a significant threat to public safety,” it stated.

Investigations further revealed that organised thuggery groups associated with Fadan Daba are sustained by drug distribution networks that provide funding and operational support.

To tackle the crisis, the police proposed the establishment of a multi-agency task force involving the Nigeria Police Force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), neighbourhood watch units, vigilante groups and other security agencies.

The task force would be mandated to identify, arrest and prosecute drug traffickers, dismantle supply chains and target individuals linked to both drug dealing and violent thuggery.

The report emphasised that enforcement alone would be insufficient, calling for a broader strategy that includes prevention, public awareness and rehabilitation. It recommended statewide campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse, as well as stronger engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders.

It also highlighted the need for functional rehabilitation programmes, improved intelligence gathering and a review of existing drug laws to ensure stronger deterrence. Stakeholders further proposed the establishment of mobile courts to fast-track prosecution of drug-related cases.

While the police have pledged to collaborate with the state government and relevant stakeholders to implement the recommendations, findings indicate that a coordinated statewide response is yet to fully take shape.

Security experts warn that the combination of drug abuse and youth unemployment has created a volatile environment, enabling criminal gangs to recruit easily and operate with increasing boldness.

A fellow of the Centre for Crisis Communication, Mukhtar Yau Madobi, cautioned that failure to act swiftly could allow drug networks to become more entrenched.

“The report underscores a critical reality: drug abuse is no longer just a public health issue in Kano — it is a central driver of insecurity,” he said.

As authorities grapple with rising crime and youth-related violence, the success of proposed interventions may determine whether the state can reverse the trend or slide deeper into a cycle of drug-fuelled instability.