Kano Task Force Arrests 380 Suspects, Secures 230 Convictions in Two Months

The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking says it has arrested more than 380 suspects and secured over 230 convictions since its inauguration in July.

The Chairman of the Task Force, Mr Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado, disclosed this at a press briefing in Kano on Tuesday, saying the arrests followed joint operations to dislodge drug joints and criminal hideouts across the state.

Rimin-Gado said the operations were conducted at areas including Race Course, Filin Idi, Filin Mahaha, Tashar Rami, Kawo and Tashar Rimi, among other identified black spots.

He said operatives recovered various illicit substances, including Cannabis Sativa, Exol-5, Diazepam, Pentazocine, Methamphetamine, Tramadol, Rubber Solution and Pregabalin capsules.

According to him, the task force also recovered dangerous weapons, including knives, cutlasses, daggers and clubs, allegedly used by drug dealers and suspected thugs to terrorise residents and resist arrest.

He expressed concern over the alleged diversion of about 870,000 Pregabalin capsules from a pharmaceutical company for illicit use, urging pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders to strengthen their internal controls and supply-chain monitoring.

The chairman said more than 230 convictions had been secured, including those of Kabiru Isa, alias Mada, and Usman Hamisu, alias Mani, who were convicted for exposing about 43 underage children to intoxicants.

He said the rescued children, who were allegedly involved in street scavenging, had undergone medical examinations and were receiving counselling and treatment, while efforts were ongoing to reunite them with their families.

Rimin-Gado also disclosed that the task force had arrested and prosecuted suspects involved in drug abuse, thuggery, popularly known as “Daba”, and phone-snatching activities.

He said about 125 individuals had been referred to the Kano Reformatory Institute, Kiru, for rehabilitation, adding that the growing demand had necessitated the expansion of rehabilitation facilities.

According to him, Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf has provided an additional facility in Tofa Local Government Area to accommodate more people seeking rehabilitation.

The chairman said the task force’s target was to remove 10,000 youths from the streets, rehabilitate them and equip them with skills to facilitate their effective reintegration into society.

He appealed to communities, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, NGOs, CSOs and the media to continue supporting the campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Rimin-Gado commended the state government and participating agencies, including the NDLEA, Police, DSS, NSCDC, Customs, Correctional Service, KOSSAP, Vigilante, Hisbah and KAROTA, for their collaboration in the fight against drug abuse and related crimes.