Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed Executive Orders declaring a public safety emergency on substance abuse, introducing tougher measures to combat the trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs across the state.
Speaking during the signing ceremony on Wednesday, Governor Yusuf said the new orders immediately prohibit the sale of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products without valid prescriptions.
As part of the measures, the Governor announced movement restrictions in identified drug abuse hotspots between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. daily to strengthen security operations and curb criminal activities linked to substance abuse.
He also directed security agencies at both the federal and state levels to intensify stop-and-search operations, arrest and prosecute offenders, while warning that Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for properties used for illicit drug sales or trafficking would be revoked.
Following the signing of the Executive Orders, Governor Yusuf inaugurated an Anti-Substance Abuse Task Force to oversee the implementation and enforcement of the new directives.
The Governor said the action is backed by the provisions of Section 97A of the Kano State Penal Code Law and CAP 89 of 1991, which empower the state government to tackle threats to public safety.
Describing drug abuse as one of the greatest security challenges facing Kano, Yusuf said the growing involvement of young people in substance abuse is fueling violent crimes, destroying families, weakening the economy and threatening social stability.
He explained that the Task Force has been mandated to identify, map and dismantle drug dens, criminal hideouts and “Daba” gang enclaves across the state. The committee is also empowered to arrest, detain and prosecute gang leaders, members, sponsors and financiers involved in illicit drug trafficking.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the Task Force with adequate funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation, logistics and security support, while guaranteeing its operational independence.
He added that the committee would coordinate intelligence gathering, enforcement operations, public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation efforts and collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to tackle drug abuse.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, the Chairman of the Task Force, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in the members and pledged to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and fairness.
He assured residents that the Task Force would work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, educational institutions and community leaders to significantly reduce drug-related crimes and promote lasting peace across Kano State.
The Task Force comprises representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as representatives of traditional institutions, religious organisations, civil society groups and the business community.
