Kano Task Force Targets Drug Traffickers, Violent Gangs

The Kano State Inter-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking says it will intensify efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and violent gangs operating across the state.

The Chairman of the task force, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, stated this while briefing journalists in Kano.

He said the committee would not allow political interference to undermine its operations.

Rimin-Gado said the task force would discharge its responsibilities without fear or favour and would resist pressure from individuals seeking the release of suspects arrested for drug-related offences and other crimes.

“No politician should approach me to release any thug if we arrest him. This is Kano, and we are all indigenes of the state. We will not allow a few people to destroy its future,” he said.

He said the task force, inaugurated by Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf, comprised representatives of security agencies and was established to tackle drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and gang-related violence.

According to him, the committee was established following the governor’s declaration of a statewide public health emergency on substance abuse on July 22.

He said the task force had been mandated to clamp down on illicit drug traffickers, curb substance abuse, facilitate rehabilitation of victims and ensure prosecution of offenders.

“Our major target is the drug traffickers because they are the main enemies of society. We are also committed to creating mechanisms for rehabilitation and community engagement,” he said.

Rimin-Gado said statistics from the Kano State Police Command indicated that about 70 per cent of major crimes recorded in the state in 2025 were linked to drug abuse.

He said the task force would also target violent gangs, noting that an executive order signed by the governor had outlawed such groups under Section 97A of the Kano State Penal Code.

He explained that membership of any group declared unlawful under the law attracted a minimum of five years’ imprisonment upon conviction.

The chairman said the committee would rely on intelligence gathering, collaboration with security agencies and community participation to combat drug-related crimes and restore public safety.

He urged parents to pay closer attention to their children’s activities, saying effective parental supervision was essential to preventing substance abuse and youth involvement in crime.

Rimin-Gado also appealed to media organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the campaign through sustained public enlightenment on the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

“This fight is not for the committee alone. It requires the support of the media, community leaders, parents and every resident of Kano. Together, we can protect the future of our state,” he said.