Worried by the increasing rate of abuse in Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has constituted a Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to crack down on substance abuse and criminal tendencies in the state.

 

According to the government, the task force is entrusted with the task of providing a coordinated multi-agency framework aimed at disrupting illicit drug networks, accelerating the prosecution of offenders and reducing drug demand in Kano.

 

In a release signed by Governor’s spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the Governor posited that the taskforce is expected to develop a sustainable advocacy and public enlightenment campaigns.

 

Governor Yusuf described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats confronting the future of young people and reiterated his administration’s determination to deploy all available resources to address the menace.

 

The taskforce headed by Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado, former Kano Anti-Corruption head, will be support by Hon. A.A. Zaura; NDLEA Commander, Kano; Coordinator of Kiru Reformative Centre; representatives of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, the Ministry of Health, and the Department of State Services (DSS).

 

Others are representatives of the Nigeria Police Force; NSCDC; Nigeria Customs; Nigeria Immigration Service, the Kano State Hisbah Board and the Kano Emirate Council and the Council of Ulama.

 

Also appointed are Maryam Muhammad of Northwest University; Hon. Sani Isa Romi, Senior Special Assistant on Pharmaceuticals; Ambassador Yunusa Yusuf Hamza; DCI Abba Badamasi (Rtd.); and Ambassador Maryam Hassan of LESPADA.

 

Under its terms of reference, the committee 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 release said.

 

“The task force 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 committee 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.

 

On the advocacy front, “members of the task force are 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”, the statement reads.

 

The Governor charged members of the task force to discharge their responsibilities with commitment, professionalism and patriotism in order to safeguard the future of Kano State.