Kano Task Force Targets 10,000 Drug Users, Vulnerable Youths for Rehabilitation

The Kano State Task Force on Drugs Abuse says it is targeting 10,000 drug users and vulnerable youths for rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration into society within one year. The Chairman of the task force, Barr. Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, disclosed this during a media parley with members of the Kano NUJ Correspondents Chapel in Kano.

Rimin Gado said the task force had recorded significant progress in the fight against drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and gang violence since its inauguration by the Kano State Government. He noted that one of the major achievements was the increasing involvement of members of the public in reporting drug-related activities to security agencies.

He said the growing public participation showed that people were beginning to take ownership of the campaign against drug abuse and trafficking. According to him, members of the public now report suspected drug-related activities to security agencies, enabling authorities to intervene and arrest perpetrators.

The chairman said the task force was operating through a multi-agency approach, involving security agencies and other relevant stakeholders in tackling drug abuse in accordance with existing laws. He disclosed that some suspects arrested by the task force had been convicted by the courts, while others were sent to rehabilitation and correctional facilities.

Rimin Gado explained that the task force’s major focus was demand reduction, stressing that drug users were often treated as victims requiring rehabilitation and reintegration, even though substance abuse could constitute a violation of the law. He said those found abusing a single substance, particularly cannabis, could be counselled and handed over to their parents or guardians for monitoring and subsequent testing.

He said individuals found to be abusing multiple substances were prosecuted in accordance with the law. According to him, more than 40 convicted drug-related offenders are currently serving their terms at the Kiru rehabilitation facility rather than conventional prisons, with the government providing for their welfare.

The chairman said the task force was also targeting drug dealers and gang leaders, whom he described as major threats to society. He said the authorities were distinguishing between major dealers who deliberately profited from drug trafficking and vulnerable young people who might have been recruited because of unemployment, manipulation or lack of opportunities.

Rimin Gado said the task force was developing a comprehensive post-rehabilitation programme involving detoxification, counselling, vocational training, career guidance, equipment and start-up support. He said beneficiaries would be trained in areas including garment making, leather works, electrical works, GSM repairs, brick making and other trades.

He disclosed that existing government facilities, including the Common Facility Centre in Sharada and garment centres in other parts of the state, would be utilised to provide skills and productive opportunities for the beneficiaries. He added that the task force would collaborate with the business community to establish production centres close to beneficiaries’ communities and support them with equipment and working capital.

Rimin Gado said the ultimate objective was to ensure that rehabilitated youths became self-employed, productive and responsible members of society while contributing to Kano’s economic development. He expressed optimism that the programme would yield significant results within one to two years and called for sustained cooperation among government agencies, security organisations, traditional institutions, parents, communities and the private sector in the fight against drug abuse.