GOVERNOR YUSUF ESTABLISHED SPECIAL TASK FORCE ON DRUG ABUSE, APPOINTS MUHUYI MAGAJI AS CHAIRMAN
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has inaugurated a high-powered Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as part of his administration’s renewed efforts to address the growing challenge 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 approved the establishment of the multi-agency task force to coordinate intelligence gathering, enforcement operations, prosecution of offenders, public enlightenment campaigns and rehabilitation initiatives aimed at curbing the menace of illicit drugs.
The task force will be chaired by Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, the immediate past Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Other members include representatives of key security, health, regulatory and community institutions, including 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, Council of Ulama and the Ministry of Health.
Also appointed are prominent stakeholders and experts such as Hon. Abdulrahman Abdulsalam Zaura, Ambassador Yunusa Yusuf Hamza, DCI Abba Badamasi (Rtd.), Ambassador Maryam Hassan of LESPADA, Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad of the Consumer Protection Council, as well as other professionals drawn from relevant sectors.
The state government said the task force was established to provide a coordinated framework for disrupting illicit drug networks, reducing drug demand and strengthening collaboration among agencies involved in the fight against substance abuse.
Under its terms of reference, the committee is expected to enhance intelligence sharing among security agencies, identify and dismantle drug trafficking syndicates, establish secure communication channels for intelligence operations and encourage community participation through confidential reporting mechanisms.
The task force will also identify major drug distribution hubs across Kano State, facilitate targeted raids and arrests, and recommend strategies for the seizure of assets linked to drug trafficking activities.
In a bid to improve justice delivery, the committee has been mandated to develop mechanisms that will ensure the speedy prosecution of drug-related offences through enhanced evidence gathering, standardized forensic procedures and collaboration with the judiciary toward the establishment of fast-track courts for such cases.
Beyond enforcement, the task force is expected to lead sustained advocacy and public enlightenment campaigns targeted at students, youths and other vulnerable groups.
It will also organize community engagement programmes, collaborate with traditional and religious leaders, and promote rehabilitation and support 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 society at large, stressing that his administration remains committed to deploying all available resources to tackle the challenge through a combination of enforcement, prevention and community participation.
He charged members of the task force to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, professionalism and patriotism, emphasizing that the success of the initiative is critical to safeguarding the future of Kano State.
The governor expressed confidence that the task force would immediately commence work and provide the leadership required to intensify the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking across the state.