By Usman Usman Garba
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 spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday.
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 of the task force are:
Hon. A.A. Zaura – Member
Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA – Member;
Coordinator, Kiru Reformative Centre – Member
Representative, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria – Member
Representative, Ministry of Health – Member
Representative, Department of State Services (DSS) – Member
Representative, Nigeria Police Force, Kano State Command – Member
Representative, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) – Member
Representative, Nigeria Customs Service – Member
Representative, Nigeria Immigration Service – Member
Representative, Kano State Hisbah Board – Member
Representative, Kano Emirate Council – Member
Representative, Council of Ulama – Member
Maryam Muhammad, Northwest University – Member
Hon. Sani Isa Romi, Senior Special Assistant on Pharmaceuticals – Member
Amb. Yunusa Yusuf Hamza – Member
DCI Abba Badamasi (Rtd.) – Member
Ambassador Maryam Hassan, LESPADA – Member
Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, Executive Secretary, Consumer Protection Council – Secretary
Aliyu Muhammad Sani, Director of Research and Evaluation, REPA – Co-Secretary
The state government established the task force to provide a coordinated multi-agency framework aimed at disrupting illicit drug networks, accelerating the 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 the speedy prosecution of suspects through improved evidence gathering, standardized forensic procedures, and collaboration with the judiciary to establish fast-track courts for handling 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 immediately champion the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking across the state.
