Kano State's Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has arrested over 380 suspects and secured more than 230 convictions since launching on 22 July.
The chairman of the task force, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, shared this update on Tuesday during a news conference in Kano. He provided details on the committee’s work since it started.
Rimin-Gado said the agency carried out joint operations across the state. They took down drug spots and criminal hideouts while seizing various illegal drugs and dangerous weapons.
He mentioned that they seized about 870,000 capsules of Pregabalin from a pharmaceutical company. This happened after the drug was allegedly diverted for illegal use.
The chairman also noted that two dealers of rubber solution were convicted. They had exposed about 43 underage children involved in street scavenging to harmful substances.
He said these children had been checked by doctors and were getting counselling and treatment. Efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families.
This news comes as the Kano State Government and security agencies step up their fight against drug abuse and the trafficking of illegal substances in the area.
The state government has recently introduced measures to target hotspots for drug abuse. Meanwhile, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency keeps reporting seizures of illegal drugs in Kano.
Rimin-Gado stated that around 125 people have been sent to the Kano Reformatory Institute in Kiru for rehabilitation, filling the facility to full capacity.
He added that the state government has set up another rehabilitation center in Tofa Local Government Area to expand the program.
According to him, the task force aims to help 10,000 youths get off the streets, receive rehabilitation, acquire skills, and reintegrate into society.
He also warned tricycle and vehicle owners against allowing their vehicles to be used for criminal acts, as such vehicles could be seized.
Some residents of Kano have welcomed the government’s actions, especially the mix of enforcement and rehabilitation efforts.
Hamza Falcao, a resident of Tudun Wada, told PREMIUM TIMES that this is a good move. "This is a welcome development," he said.
Hawwa Bello from Nasarawa Quarters also praised the government's efforts, saying this help is necessary at this crucial time. "This is needed at this critical time," she said.
Rimin-Gado called for stronger teamwork among security agencies, traditional and religious groups, civil society, and the public to fight drug abuse and illegal trafficking.
He urged residents to share timely and useful information with the task force to help make communities safer.
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