Borno Police: 103 Arrested in Maiduguri Drug Arrests, Major Seizures

• The Borno State Police Command arrested 103 suspects in Maiduguri between October 29 and November 2, 2026.
• The week-long operation targeted substance abuse, violence, and other social vices across the metropolis.
• Suspects face charges including public nuisance, illicit drug possession and sale, and dangerous weapons possession.
• Significant quantities of Indian hemp, methamphetamine, codeine, and other drugs were recovered, alongside weapons.
• Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, directed the operation and affirmed a sustained fight against illicit drug activities.

The 103 Borno criminal suspects are currently undergoing preliminary screening and investigation, with the Borno State Police Command affirming that those found culpable will face prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.

The Borno State Police Command recently concluded a significant week-long operation in the Maiduguri metropolis, leading to the apprehension of 103 individuals suspected of various criminal activities. This extensive Borno Police drug arrests Maiduguri initiative, which ran from October 29 to November 2, 2026, targeted a range of social vices including substance abuse, violence, and thuggery. The arrests were the result of coordinated raids and township patrols conducted by the command's Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Social Vices Unit, with crucial support from other security agencies.

The operation was launched under the direct order of Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, specifically focusing on identified crime-prone areas and security hotspots throughout Maiduguri. These areas included Gwange, Santiago, Texaco, Ajari, Gadan Zare, Budum, Shehuri, Bulabulin, Abbaganaram, Baga Road, Gidan Dambe, UNIMAID 202 Housing Estate, Mairi Kuwait, Bakari, Zanneri, Polo, Giwa Barrack Area, Kwanan Yobe, Jiddari, Kaleri, Damboa Road, Circular, and Moduganari. The suspects face allegations ranging from public nuisance to the possession and sale of illicit drugs, as well as the possession of dangerous weapons.

The intensity of the Borno State Police crackdown is underscored by the substantial quantity and variety of illicit substances and dangerous items confiscated during the operation. Among the drug seizures were 889 wraps of Indian hemp, 104 wraps of Erinmo, and seven packs of Colorado. Law enforcement also recovered two quantities of methamphetamine, commonly known as Ice, alongside eight bottles of codeine syrup.

Further drug-related recoveries included 266 tablets of D5, 13 tablets of diazepam, 11 tablets and seven capsules of tramadol, and a total of 312 capsules and tablets of Exole. Beyond narcotics, the Maiduguri substance abuse arrests also yielded four ice bunkers, a bottle of methylene chloride, infamously known as "Suck and Die," four sharp knives, a cutlass, an axe, and 11 rounds of live ammunition. Additionally, three sets of shisha pots and 11 ice bulbs were seized, highlighting the breadth of the enforcement effort against illicit drug paraphernalia.

The 103 Borno criminal suspects are currently undergoing preliminary screening and investigation, with the Borno State Police Command affirming that those found culpable will face prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law. This firm stance reflects a broader commitment to Nigeria illicit drug enforcement and maintaining public order. Commissioner Abdulmajid publicly commended the vigilance and dedication of the operatives and collaborating security agencies involved in the successful operation.

The CP Naziru Abdulmajid directive extends beyond this specific week-long effort, signaling a sustained strategy. The Commissioner reiterated the command's unwavering resolve to continue intelligence-led operations, intensify the battle against illicit drug activities, and systematically dismantle criminal hideouts and networks that pose a threat to public peace and security. This proactive approach aims to create a safer environment for residents across the Maiduguri metropolis and Borno State.

To bolster these law enforcement efforts, the police command has issued a call to action for the local community. Residents are strongly encouraged to provide credible and timely information regarding suspicious activities, criminal hideouts, and any other security threats through established police communication channels. This emphasis on community partnership is crucial for the long-term success of crime prevention and resolution.

The Borno State Police Command reaffirmed its fundamental commitment to protecting the lives and property of its citizens. By fostering a collaborative environment between law enforcement and the public, the command aims to ensure a more secure and stable environment for all residents, reinforcing the impact of operations like the recent crackdown on drug-related offenses and other social vices.

Lawyers should anticipate an increase in criminal defense cases related to drug possession, sale, and public order offenses in Borno State, particularly Maiduguri, due to intensified police operations. Compliance officers in businesses operating in the region should review internal policies to ensure adherence to drug laws and mitigate risks from heightened law enforcement scrutiny.

Source: Original reporting via Vanguard