Kano task force seizes 3.18 million suspected pregabalin capsules in Sabon Gari

The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking reported the seizure of approximately 3.18 million capsules believed to be pregabalin in the Sabon Gari neighbourhood of Fagge Local Government Area. Law enforcement officers executed a raid at a dwelling on Apple Avenue, Normansland, leading to the detention of Gregory Ogbuji, a 34-year-old male. Ogbuji, alleged to be linked to Seemark Pharma Ltd (registered 2012546), was charged under Section 249 of the Penal Code, while another suspect remains at large.

The seizure occurred barely a day after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf commissioned the state’s Rapid Response Squad, a specialised unit designed to act swiftly on drug‑related intelligence. Lamara Garba, who serves as the secretary for the task force's Media and Publicity Committee, stated that the intervention was prompted by reliable intelligence gathered via a reporting channel connected to the organization's command and call centre.

Background

The Rapid Response Squad was launched by Governor Yusuf as part of a broader effort to curb drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Kano State. The task force, chaired by Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, has highlighted pregabalin as a growing public‑health concern, noting that about eight out of ten drug‑related operations involve individuals dependent on or abusing the substance. Previous statements from the task force have described pregabalin abuse as a serious security issue and have called for sustained enforcement and community cooperation.

Why it matters

Pregabalin abuse has become widespread in Kano, prompting the task force to stress the importance of intelligence‑led enforcement. The large seizure underscores the scale of the problem and the potential health risks associated with the drug’s misuse. The operation also demonstrates the effectiveness of the newly established Rapid Response Squad, which aims to respond quickly to reports of drug activity, thuggery and related crimes. Residents’ cooperation with the task force’s reporting platforms was cited as a key factor in the successful raid.

What happens next

The task force indicated that further investigations are ongoing to locate the second suspect believed to be involved in the operation. Authorities have warned individuals and groups engaged in illicit drug trade to desist, assuring the public that the task force will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour. The task force also called on residents to maintain vigilance and use the reporting platforms to aid future operations.