Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has approved the establishment of a Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to tackle the rising cases of substance abuse and drug-related crimes in the State.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the initiative was part of the administration’s renewed efforts to address the menace.
The task force will be chaired by the immediate past Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji.
Members of the committee include representatives of security agencies, health institutions, traditional and religious bodies, as well as other relevant stakeholders, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Customs, Immigration and Kano State Hisbah Board.
According to the statement, the task force is expected to provide a coordinated approach to disrupting drug trafficking networks, improving intelligence sharing among agencies, accelerating prosecution of offenders and reducing demand for illicit substances through advocacy.
The committee will also identify major drug distribution points across the State, facilitate targeted operations, recommend measures to seize assets linked to trafficking activities, and strengthen collaboration among enforcement agencies.
It is also mandated to support the speedy prosecution of suspects by improving evidence gathering, implementing forensic procedures, and collaborating with the judiciary to expedite the handling of drug-related cases.
The governor said the task force would lead public awareness campaigns targeting youths, students and vulnerable groups, while working with communities, religious and traditional institutions to promote prevention, rehabilitation and support services for victims of substance abuse.
Gov. Yusuf described drug abuse as a major threat to the future of young people and pledged that his administration would continue to deploy resources towards addressing the challenge through enforcement, prevention and community involvement.
He urged members of the task force to carry out their duties with commitment and professionalism to protect the people of Kano State.
