Gov Yusuf sets up special task force on drug abuse

…appoints Muhuyi Magaji as chairman

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has established a Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as part of efforts to combat the rising cases of substance abuse and drug-related crimes across the state.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, the governor appointed former Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, as chairman of the task force.

The committee comprises representatives of key security agencies, health institutions, professional bodies, traditional and religious institutions, as well as civil society organisations.

Among its members are representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Kano State Hisbah Board, Kano Emirate Council and the Council of Ulama.

Other members include Hon. A.A. Zaura, Maryam Muhammad of Northwest University, Hon. Sani Isa Romi, Ambassador Yunusa Yusuf Hamza, retired DCI Abba Badamasi, Ambassador Maryam Hassan of LESPADA, while Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, Executive Secretary of the Consumer Protection Council, will serve as Secretary and Aliyu Muhammad Sani, Director of Research and Evaluation at REPA, as Co-Secretary.

The state government said the task force was created to provide a coordinated multi-agency framework for disrupting illicit drug networks, accelerating the prosecution of offenders and reducing drug demand through sustained public enlightenment campaigns.

Its mandate includes strengthening intelligence gathering and information sharing among security agencies, identifying and dismantling drug trafficking networks, establishing secure communication channels for intelligence operations and encouraging community participation through confidential reporting mechanisms.

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The task force is also expected to identify major drug distribution centres across Kano, facilitate targeted raids and arrests, and recommend measures for the seizure of assets linked to drug trafficking activities.

In addition, members have been directed to develop mechanisms that will ensure speedy prosecution of suspects through improved evidence gathering, standardised forensic procedures and collaboration with the judiciary to establish fast-track courts for drug-related cases.

On prevention and rehabilitation, the committee will lead public awareness campaigns targeting youths, students and vulnerable groups, organise community engagement programmes, collaborate with religious and traditional leaders and promote rehabilitation services for individuals affected by substance abuse.

Governor Yusuf described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats confronting the future of young people and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to tackle the problem through enforcement, prevention and community participation.

He urged members of the task force to carry out their responsibilities with commitment, professionalism and patriotism, stressing that safeguarding the future of Kano’s youth remains a top priority of his administration.

The task force is expected to commence work immediately in a bid to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.