Against the increasing abuse of illicit substances in Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Wednesday declared Executive Orders that prohibit trafficking and abuse in the state.

Appending signature on the new executive order on Wednesday, Governor Yusuf said the order on Public Safety Emergency on Substance Abuse in Kano will henceforth outlaw all sales of illicit drugs, unregistered pharmaceutical without valid prescription.

The Governor also declared the new Executive Order which takes effect immediately enforce movement restriction across hotspots identified as epicenter of drug abuse between 6pm and 10am daily in Kano.

According to Governor Yusuf, security apparatus across Federal and state agencies will be reinforced to stop, search, arrest and prosecute suspects, added that certificate of occupancy of properties used for sales of illicit drugs trafficking will be revoked.

Shortly after signing the Order, Governor Yusuf inaugurated an Anti-Substance Abuse Taskforce Committee to execute the Public Safety Emergency Order.

The Governor maintained that provision of section 97 A of the Penal Code Law of Kano state and CAP 89 of 1991 empower him to declare the menace unlawful.

The Governor described drug abuse as one of the major threats to security and public peace in Kano worried that larger population of youth now abused all sort of illicit substances which currently fueling violent crimes, destroys families, weakens the economy, and undermines social stability.

According to the Governor, parts of the task of the committee include identify, map, and dismantle all Daba Gang hideouts, illicit drugs dens, and territorial enclaves in the state.

He said the taskforce is empowered by the Executive Order to arrest, detain, and prosecute Daba Gang leaders, members, sponsors, and financiers of the illicit drug trafficking.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Task Force with adequate funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation, logistics, and security backing, while guaranteeing its operational independence to enable it discharge its mandate effectively.

He said the newly inaugurated Task Force would coordinate the state’s response to drug abuse through intelligence gathering, enforcement, public enlightenment, rehabilitation, and collaboration with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the Task Force, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, thanked Governor Yusuf for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the committee.

He assured the Governor and the people of Kano that the Task Force would carry out its assignment with integrity, professionalism, and without compromise.

Barr. Muhuyi said members of the Task Force fully understand the enormity of their responsibility and would work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and community leaders to combat drug abuse and promote lasting peace across the state.

He assured the Task Force would significantly reduce drug-related crimes and contribute to a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous Kano State.

The task force comprises representatives of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as representatives of civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious bodies and business communities.