Kano drug task force, US Embassy discuss stronger counter-narcotics efforts

The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has engaged the United States Embassy in Nigeria on strengthening counter-narcotics efforts and exploring broader development support for the state.

The Chairman of the Task Force, Mr Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, Esq., led a delegation to the U.S. Embassy, where he met with the Director of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Mr Tolliver Derrick, and other officials of the U.S. Mission.

A statement issued by the Task Force on Thursday said the meeting focused on strengthening a coordinated multi-agency response to drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

It said discussions also covered intelligence-led enforcement, institutional capacity building, technical assistance, community-based prevention and specialised rehabilitation programmes.

According to the statement, particular attention was given to interventions targeting vulnerable groups, especially young people.

It added that both sides examined ways of linking counter-narcotics efforts with wider U.S. government programmes in Kano.

Rimin Gado said the fight against drug abuse could not be won through enforcement alone, stressing the need for effective prevention, rehabilitation and active community participation.

“The fight against drug abuse requires more than enforcement alone. It demands resilient institutions, active community participation, effective rehabilitation, robust prevention and strong international partnerships,” he said.

He said the Task Force was interested in leveraging broader U.S. interventions in Kano to promote sustainable security and socio-economic protection for residents.

The statement said the U.S. Embassy, through the INL Bureau, expressed interest in working with the Task Force and exploring opportunities to integrate counter-narcotics initiatives with wider U.S. technical support and development programmes in the region.

It said the engagement also considered areas including governance, public safety and community resilience.

The two delegations, it added, agreed on the need for structured collaboration and sustained engagement to strengthen counter-narcotics efforts and community development in Kano.