Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has approved the constitution of a 20-member Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as part of efforts to address the growing menace of substance abuse and drug-related crimes in the state.
The governor said the initiative reflects his administration’s renewed commitment to combating drug abuse and dismantling illicit drug networks across Kano.
To ensure effective implementation, Yusuf appointed the immediate past Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, as chairman of the task force. Renowned politician and anti-drug campaigner, Abdussalam Zaura, popularly known as AA Zaura, was also named a member.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, disclosed that the task force was established to address the root causes of drug abuse and provide sustainable solutions to the challenge.
According to Yusuf, the task force will provide a coordinated multi-agency framework aimed at disrupting illicit drug networks, accelerating the prosecution of offenders, and reducing drug demand through sustained advocacy and public enlightenment campaigns.
“The state government established the task force to provide a coordinated multi-agency framework aimed at disrupting illicit drug networks, accelerating prosecution of offenders and reducing drug demand through sustained advocacy and public enlightenment campaigns,” the governor said.
He explained that the committee’s terms of reference include strengthening intelligence gathering and information sharing among security agencies, identifying and dismantling drug trafficking networks, establishing secure communication channels for intelligence operations, and encouraging community participation through confidential reporting mechanisms.
The task force is also expected to identify major drug distribution points across the state, facilitate targeted raids and arrests, and recommend measures for the seizure of assets linked to drug trafficking activities.
In addition, Yusuf said the committee would develop mechanisms to ensure speedy prosecution of suspects through improved evidence gathering, standardised forensic procedures, and collaboration with the judiciary to establish fast-track courts for drug-related cases.
On the advocacy front, the task force is expected to lead public awareness campaigns targeting students, youths, and vulnerable groups, organise community engagement programmes, collaborate with religious and traditional institutions, and promote rehabilitation and support services for individuals affected by substance abuse.
Describing drug abuse as one of the greatest threats facing the future of young people, the governor reiterated his administration’s determination to deploy all available resources to tackle the challenge through enforcement, prevention, and community participation.
He urged members of the task force to discharge their responsibilities with commitment, professionalism, and patriotism in order to safeguard the future of Kano State.
The task force is expected to commence operations immediately in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.
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