Gaya Emirate Adopts Zero Tolerance for Drug Abuse, Orders Arrest of Suspects
The Gaya Emirate Council has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse and trafficking, directing all ward, village and district heads across the Emirate to apprehend suspected offenders and hand them over to relevant authorities for prosecution, irrespective of their social status or position.
The Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, disclosed this on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, when he received members of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Trafficking (MATFDAT) at his palace in Gaya.
The development was contained in a statement issued by Lamara Garba, MNIPR, Member of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of MATFDAT.
According to the statement, the Emir said the directive was part of the Emirate’s commitment to supporting efforts to tackle the growing menace of substance abuse and drug trafficking in society.
“We have already directed all our ward, village and district heads to apprehend and hand over any suspect to the authorities for prosecution, no matter how highly placed he may be,” the Emir was quoted as saying.
He also disclosed that the Emirate Council had introduced drug screening for individuals being considered for appointments, describing the measure as an initiative that should be adopted at all levels of government.
The Emir described substance abuse as a serious societal concern requiring urgent and concerted action from government, traditional institutions, communities and other stakeholders.
He commended the foresight of the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for establishing the Task Force, stressing that the fight against drug abuse and trafficking must be a collective responsibility.
He further called for firm and decisive prosecution of persons found culpable of drug abuse or trafficking, noting that drug screening should be complemented by effective enforcement and prosecution.
The Emir assured the delegation that the Gaya Emirate Council would support the activities of the Task Force to enable it succeed in its mandate.
He expressed confidence that, given the calibre and experience of the Task Force members, the body would make significant progress in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
He also prayed to Almighty Allah to guide and protect members of the Task Force and grant them wisdom and strength in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Task Force Seeks Royal Blessing
Earlier, the Chairman of the Task Force, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, Esq., represented by Dr Aminu Magashi, said the delegation was at the palace to solicit the royal blessing and support of the Emir for the activities of the Task Force.
Dr Magashi disclosed that the Task Force would soon organise a sensitisation meeting as part of efforts to create greater public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.
He said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was deeply committed to the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, adding that the Task Force had recorded some successes within the short period since its establishment.
He expressed optimism that with the support of traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders, the campaign would gain greater momentum and achieve its objectives.
The Task Force subsequently received assurances of the Gaya Emirate Council’s support for its efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking across the state.