Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have thwarted two separate attempts to smuggle illicit drugs through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, and the Seme land border in Lagos State.

KANO FOCUS reports that in one of the incidents, a 35-year-old Kano-based businesswoman, Rabi Muhammad, was arrested on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the departure point of the Seme border while attempting to cross into Cotonou, Benin Republic.

In a statement signed by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, on Sunday, the agency said the suspect was intercepted with a protruding stomach suggestive of pregnancy. However, a full body search revealed that the pregnancy was fake. The “baby bump” was reportedly fashioned from a pink-coloured calabash used to conceal 3,200 capsules of tramadol, which she had strapped around her stomach for onward sale in Cotonou.

On the same day in Kano, NDLEA operatives at the screening point of the departure hall of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport intercepted a 41-year-old Ivorian national, Michael Gohouri, also known as Anunwa Onyinye Michael, during outward clearance for Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 to Milan via Addis Ababa.

A body scan conducted on the suspect confirmed ingestion of illicit substances. He was subsequently placed under observation, during which he excreted 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms.

Investigations revealed that Gohouri had arrived in Lagos from Milan on January 17, 2026, and had travelled between Lagos and Enugu for three weeks before heading to Kano, where he allegedly ingested the cocaine in a hotel room. He was reportedly promised a payment of 5,000 Euros upon successful delivery of the drugs in Milan.

The suspect, who claims dual Ivorian and Nigerian parentage, said he applied for asylum in Italy in 2013 and currently holds a residence permit valid until May 25, 2026. He also possesses a Nigerian National Identification Number bearing the name Anunwa Onyinye Michael.

Meanwhile, the agency said its Commands and formations across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns over the past week, including lectures delivered to students and staff of Government Senior Girls Secondary School, Kofar Kudu, Kano State.

Commending officers and men of the agency for the arrests and seizures, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the operational successes reflect the agency’s balanced strategy of drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts nationwide.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Kano State Police Command has arrested six suspected members of a car theft syndicate and recovered three stolen vehicles in a major breakthrough against vehicle-related crimes in the state.

KANO FOCUS reports that the arrest followed intelligence-led operations by the Command’s Special Intervention Squad (SIS), acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to intensify technology-driven crime-fighting strategies.

According to a statement issued on February 22, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the operation was carried out under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

The statement said the prime suspect, Aliyu Mamman, 35, was arrested on February 13, 2026, at Hotoro Ring Road in Kano. The suspect, a resident of Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, allegedly confessed to stealing vehicles in Kano, Kaduna and Katsina states.

During interrogation, Mamman reportedly implicated other members of the syndicate identified as Abdulhamid Usman, Saliha Abdulhamid, Auwal Shuaibu, Sani Bala and Ahmad Mannir. All six suspects are currently in police custody.

Police said the suspects’ confessions led to the recovery of three stolen vehicles: a Golf Wagon, a Golf Opel and a Hijet (popularly known as Kurkura).

Commissioner of Police Bakori commended the Special Intervention Squad for their professionalism and dedication, noting that the Command remains committed to sustaining operations aimed at curbing criminal activities across the state.

The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575 and 09029292926.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents in line with the Inspector-General’s vision of community-oriented policing.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the winners of Saturday’s bye-elections in Kano State, describing their victory as a sacred mandate from the people.

In a State House press release issued on February 22, 2026, and signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President lauded the outcome of the polls conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies.

President Tinubu urged the victorious candidates to serve with humility, patriotism and dedication, stressing that the mandate given to them by the electorate should be regarded as a sacred trust.

He also congratulated the national and Kano State leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as party members, on what he described as their success at the polls.

The President commended INEC, security agencies and voters for ensuring the peaceful and successful conduct of the elections, noting that the process reflected growing democratic maturity.

He further praised all contestants for their courage and discipline, stating that democracy thrives on vibrant participation and healthy competition.

President Tinubu affirmed that the smooth conduct of the elections strengthens Nigeria’s democratic culture and institutions, and called on INEC to continue improving its processes to deliver even more exemplary electoral outcomes in the future.