Disturbed by the increasing abuse of illicit substances in Kano, Governor Abba Yusuf on Wednesday signed an Executive Order that prohibited trafficking and abuse in the state.
Appending his signature to the new executive order on Wednesday, Governor Yusuf said the order on Public Safety Emergency on Substance Abuse in Kano will henceforth outlaw all sales of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceuticals without a valid prescription.
The governor also said that the new executive order, which takes effect immediately, will enforce movement restrictions across hotspots identified as the epicentre of drug abuse between 6 pm and 10 am daily in Kano.
According to him, security apparatus across Federal and state agencies will be reinforced to stop, search, arrest and prosecute suspects, and certificates of occupancy of properties used for the sale of illicit drugs will be revoked.
Shortly after signing the Order, Governor Yusuf inaugurated an Anti-Substance Abuse Taskforce Committee to execute the Public Safety Emergency Order.
The governor maintained that provisions of Section 97A of the Penal Code Law of Kano State and CAP 89 of 1991 empower him to declare the menace unlawful.
He described drug abuse as one of the major threats to security and public peace in Kano and is worried that a larger population of youth now abuse all sorts of illicit substances, which fuels violent crimes, destroys families, weakens the economy, and undermines social stability.
According to the governor, parts of the task of the committee include identifying, mapping, and dismantling all Daba Gang hideouts, illicit drug dens, and territorial enclaves in the state.
He said the task force is empowered by the Executive Order to arrest, detain, and prosecute Daba Gang leaders, members, sponsors, and financiers of the illicit drug trafficking.
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The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the task force with adequate funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation, logistics, and security backing while guaranteeing its operational independence to enable it to discharge its mandate effectively.
He said the newly inaugurated task force would coordinate the state’s response to drug abuse through intelligence gathering, enforcement, public enlightenment, rehabilitation, and collaboration with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the Task Force, Muhuyi Rimingado, thanked Governor Yusuf for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the committee.
Rimingado assured the governor and the people of Kano that the task force would carry out its assignment with integrity and professionalism and without compromise.
He said members of the group fully understand the enormity of their responsibility and would 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 the state.
The task force leader assured the group would significantly reduce drug-related crimes and contribute to a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous Kano 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.
