Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has approved the constitution of a Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to address the growing challenge of substance abuse and drug-related crimes in the state.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to the statement, the task force will be chaired by Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, the immediate past Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Other members include representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Kano State Hisbah Board, the Kano Emirate Council, the Council of Ulama, the Ministry of Health, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, among others.
The statement said the task force was established to 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.”
It added that the task force would strengthen intelligence gathering and information sharing among security agencies, identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks, facilitate targeted raids and arrests, and recommend measures for the seizure of assets linked to drug trafficking activities.
The committee is also expected to develop mechanisms for the speedy prosecution of suspects through improved evidence gathering, standardized forensic procedures, and collaboration with the judiciary.
On prevention, the task force will lead awareness campaigns targeting students, youths, and vulnerable groups, while also promoting 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 reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling the menace through enforcement, prevention, and community participation.
He charged members of the task force to discharge their responsibilities with “commitment, professionalism, and patriotism” to safeguard the future of Kano State.
