Gov Yusuf declares State of Emergency on drug abuse in Kano

By Hadiza Yusuf

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared a state of emergency on drug abuse and signed an Executive Order aimed at tackling illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse across the state.

The governor signed the Public Safety Emergency on Substance Abuse Executive Order at the Government House, Kano, on Wednesday, describing the measure as a decisive step towards curbing drug-related crimes and restoring public safety.

Under the order, the sale of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products without valid prescriptions has been prohibited across the state.

Governor Yusuf also announced movement restrictions in areas identified as major drug abuse hotspots.

“The movement restriction will be enforced daily from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m., while security agencies have been empowered to stop, search, arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the order,” he said.

He warned that properties used for the sale or trafficking of illicit drugs would face sanctions.

“Certificates of Occupancy of properties used for the sale and trafficking of illicit drugs will be revoked,” the governor added.

Yusuf said the declaration was backed by the provisions of Section 97A of the Kano State Penal Code Law and Cap 89 of 1991.

He described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats to security and public peace in the state, saying it fuels violent crime, destroys families, weakens the economy and undermines social stability.

The governor expressed concern over the growing number of young people involved in substance abuse, stressing the need for urgent and coordinated action.

Following the declaration, Yusuf inaugurated an Anti-Substance Abuse Task Force to implement the emergency measures.

He said the committee had been mandated to identify, map and dismantle drug dens and hideouts of criminal gangs, popularly known as Daba, across the state.

According to him, the task force will also arrest and prosecute gang leaders, members, sponsors and financiers involved in drug trafficking.

The governor assured the committee of his administration’s full support, including adequate funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation, logistics and security, while guaranteeing its operational independence.

He added that the task force would coordinate intelligence gathering, enforcement operations, public enlightenment campaigns, rehabilitation programmes and collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to address substance abuse.

Speaking after his inauguration, the Chairman of the task force, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the committee.

He pledged that members would discharge their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and without compromise.

“We understand the enormity of this responsibility and will work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, educational institutions and community leaders to combat drug abuse and promote lasting peace across Kano State,” Rimingado said.

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.