Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Yusuf on Wednesday signed an Executive Order to combat drug trafficking, substance abuse and thuggery in the state, as part of efforts to tackle rising insecurity and criminal activities in the state.
Similarly, Gov. Yusuf inaugurated a Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse to enforce the order and coordinate the state’s response to the growing menace.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Kano, Yusuf described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats facing the state’s youthful population, saying it fuels violent crimes, destroys families, weakens the economy and undermines social stability.
He said the Executive Order, which takes immediate effect, prohibits the sale and trafficking of illicit drugs as well as the distribution of unregistered pharmaceutical products without valid prescriptions.
The governor added that movement would be restricted between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. in identified drug abuse hotspots across the state. At the same time, security agencies had been authorised to stop, search, arrest and prosecute suspected offenders.
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Yusuf further disclosed that the government would revoke Certificates of Occupancy of properties used for the sale or trafficking of illicit drugs.
According to him, the Executive Order against thuggery provides a stronger legal framework for dismantling criminal gangs, curbing political violence, and strengthening security agencies’ efforts to maintain law and order.
He said the task force had been mandated to identify and dismantle hideouts of Daba gangs and illicit drug dens, as well as arrest and prosecute gang leaders, members, sponsors and financiers involved in drug-related crimes.
The governor said the action was backed by Section 97A of the Kano State Penal Code Law and Cap 89 of 1991.
He pledged adequate funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation, logistics and security support for the committee, while assuring members of operational independence.
Yusuf also said the state had established separate rehabilitation centres for male and female victims of substance abuse and would continue to strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
Chairman of the task force, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji, pledged to discharge the committee’s mandate with integrity and professionalism.
He said members would work with security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and community groups to combat drug abuse and restore public safety across the state.
The task force comprises representatives of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as representatives of civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious bodies and business communities.
