Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has approved the establishment of a Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to tackle the rising cases of substance abuse and drug-related crimes in the state.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the initiative is part of the administration’s renewed efforts to address the menace.
Key Hightlights:
- Abba Yusuf set up a task force to fight drug abuse and trafficking in Kano.
- Muhuyi Magaji will lead the committee.
- The team includes security agencies and other key stakeholders.
- It will target drug networks and support prosecution of offenders.
- It will also run awareness campaigns to prevent drug abuse.
The task force will be chaired by the immediate past Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhuyi Magaji.
Members of the committee include representatives of security agencies, health institutions, traditional and religious bodies, as well as other relevant stakeholders, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the customs, immigration and the Kano State Hisbah Board.
According to the statement, the task force is expected to provide a coordinated approach to disrupting drug trafficking networks, improving intelligence sharing among agencies, accelerating prosecution of offenders and reducing demand for illicit substances through advocacy.
The committee will also identify major drug distribution points across the state, facilitate targeted operations, recommend measures for the seizure of assets linked to trafficking activities and strengthen collaboration among enforcement agencies.
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It is also mandated to support the speedy prosecution of suspects through improved evidence gathering, forensic procedures and possible collaboration with the judiciary for faster handling of drug-related cases.
The governor said the task force would lead public awareness campaigns targeting youths, students and vulnerable groups, while working with communities, religious and traditional institutions to promote prevention, rehabilitation and support services for victims of substance abuse.
Governor Yusuf described drug abuse as a major threat to the future of young people and pledged that his administration would continue to deploy resources towards addressing the challenge through enforcement, prevention and community involvement.
He urged members of the task force to carry out their duties with commitment and professionalism to protect the people of Kano State.
