The Kano State Task Force on Drugs Abuse says it is targeting 10,000 drug users and vulnerable youths for rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration into society within the next one year.
The Chairman of the task force, Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, disclosed this during a media parley with members of the Kano Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Rimin Gado said the task force had recorded significant progress in its efforts to tackle drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and gang violence since its inauguration by the Kano State Government.
He identified increased public participation in reporting suspected drug-related activities to security agencies as one of the major achievements recorded by the task force.
According to him, the growing involvement of residents demonstrates increased community ownership of the campaign against drug abuse and trafficking, while information provided by the public has enabled security agencies to intervene and apprehend suspects.
The chairman said the task force was adopting a multi-agency approach involving security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to address drug abuse in accordance with existing laws.
He disclosed that some suspects arrested by the task force had been convicted, while others were referred to rehabilitation and correctional facilities.
Rimin Gado explained that the task force’s primary focus was demand reduction, noting that drug users were often treated as vulnerable individuals requiring rehabilitation and reintegration, although substance abuse could also constitute a violation of the law.
He said individuals found abusing a single substance, particularly cannabis, could be counselled and handed over to their parents or guardians for monitoring and subsequent testing.
However, those found abusing multiple substances would be prosecuted in line with existing laws.
The chairman disclosed that more than 40 convicted drug-related offenders were currently serving their sentences at the Kiru rehabilitation facility instead of conventional prisons, with the state government providing for their welfare.
He added that the task force was also targeting drug dealers and gang leaders, whom he described as major threats to society.
According to him, the authorities are distinguishing between major drug dealers who deliberately profit from trafficking and vulnerable youths who may have been drawn into criminal activities due to unemployment, manipulation or lack of opportunities.
Rimin Gado said the task force was developing a comprehensive post-rehabilitation programme covering detoxification, counselling, vocational training, career guidance, equipment and start-up support.
He listed garment making, leather works, electrical works, GSM repairs, brick making and other trades among the skills that beneficiaries would be trained in.
The chairman said existing government facilities, including the Common Facility Centre in Sharada and garment centres across the state, would be used to provide training and productive opportunities for beneficiaries.
He added that the task force would collaborate with members of the business community to establish production centres close to beneficiaries’ communities and provide them with equipment and working capital.
The initiative, he said, is aimed at helping rehabilitated drug users and vulnerable youths acquire sustainable livelihoods and successfully reintegrate into society.
