Puzzles surrounding drug addiction in Kano have continued to disturb the city, prompting Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to establish an Anti-Illicit Drugs Task Force to urgently find a lasting solution to the menace.
Approving the constitution of a Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the governor said it was part of his administration’s renewed commitment to combating the growing problem of substance abuse and drug-related crimes in the state.
The governor said that to ensure effective delivery, he appointed Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, the immediate past Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, as chairman, while a renowned politician and anti-drug campaigner, Abdussalam Zaura (AA Zaura), was also appointed as a member.
The 20-man Anti-Illicit Drugs Task Force was mandated by the governor to address the root causes of the problem and provide workable solutions, according to Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.
“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,” said Governor Yusuf.
He said that under its terms of reference, the task force is expected to strengthen intelligence gathering and information sharing among security agencies, identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks, establish secure communication channels for intelligence operations, and encourage community participation through confidential reporting mechanisms.
The committee is also mandated 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, the task force will develop mechanisms to ensure speedy prosecution of suspects through improved evidence gathering, standardised forensic procedures and collaboration with the judiciary for the establishment of fast-track courts to handle drug-related cases,” he said.
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 persons affected by substance abuse.
Governor Yusuf described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats facing the future of young people and reiterated his administration’s determination to deploy all available resources to tackle the challenge through enforcement, prevention and community participation.
He charged 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 promptly lead the fight against drug abuse in Kano State.