Yusuf establishes special task force to tackle drug abuse in Kano

Yusuf establishes special task force to tackle drug abuse in Kano

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the constitution of a Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as part of his administration’s renewed commitment to combating the growing menace of substance abuse and drug-related crimes in Kano State.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Thursday.

The task force will be chaired by Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado the immediate past Executive Chairman, Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.

Other members of the 20-member task force are Hon. A.A. Zaura, Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA, Coordinator, Kiru Reformative Centre, Representatives of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Ministry of Health, DSS, Police, NSCDC, Customs, Immigration, Hisbah, Kano Emirate Council, and the Council of Ulama.

Also on the committee are Maryam Muhammad, Northwest University; Sani Isa Romi, Senior Special Assistant Pharmaceuticals;  Amb. Yunusa Yusuf Hamza; DCI Abba Badamasi, (Rtd.), Amb Maryam Hassan, LESPADA; and Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, Executive Secretary, Consumer Protection Council as Secretary, while Aliyu Muhammad Sani, Director Research and Evaluation, REPA, will be the Co-Secretary.

According to the statement, the government established the task force to provide a coordinated multi-agency framework aimed at disrupting illicit drug networks, accelerating prosecution of offenders and reducing drug demand through sustained advocacy and public enlightenment campaigns.

Under its terms of reference, the task force 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 committee 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 task force will develop mechanisms to ensure speedy prosecution of suspects through improved evidence gathering, standardized forensic procedures and collaboration with the judiciary for the establishment of fast-track courts to handle drug-related cases.

On the advocacy front, the task force is expected to lead public awareness campaigns targeting students, youths and vulnerable groups, organize community engagement programmes, collaborate with religious and traditional institutions, and promote 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 reiterated his administration’s determination to deploy all available resources to tackle the challenge through enforcement, prevention and community participation.

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

The task force is expected to promptly champion the fight against drug abuse in Kano State.