Gov Yusuf signs executive orders against drug abuse, trafficking in Kano

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed Executive Orders declaring a Public Safety Emergency on substance abuse, introducing sweeping measures to curb the trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs across the state.

The Executive Orders, signed, prohibit the sale of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products without valid prescriptions as part of the state’s renewed crackdown on drug-related crimes.

Governor Yusuf also announced movement restrictions in identified drug abuse hotspots, banning movement in the affected areas between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. daily. He said the order takes immediate effect.

Under the new measures, security agencies at both federal and state levels have been empowered to stop, search, arrest and prosecute suspected drug traffickers and users.

The governor further directed that Certificates of Occupancy of properties used for illicit drug sales and trafficking would be revoked.
Shortly after signing the Executive Orders, Yusuf inaugurated a Multi-Agency Anti-Substance Abuse Task Force to enforce the Public Safety Emergency Order.

He said the declaration was 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 take decisive action against threats to public safety.

Describing drug abuse as one of the greatest threats to security and social stability in Kano, the governor lamented that increasing consumption of illicit substances among young people was fueling violent crimes, destroying families, weakening the economy and undermining peace.

According to him, the task force has been mandated to identify, map and dismantle hideouts of “Daba” gangs, drug dens and other criminal enclaves across the state.

He added that the committee is authorised to arrest, detain and prosecute gang leaders, members, sponsors and financiers involved in illicit drug trafficking.

Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the task force with adequate funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation, logistics and security, while guaranteeing its operational independence.

He said the committee would coordinate the state’s response to drug abuse through intelligence gathering, enforcement, public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programmes and collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders.

Responding on behalf of the committee, the Chairman of the Task Force, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in the members.

He pledged that the committee would discharge its responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and impartiality.

Rimingado said the task force would work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, educational institutions and community leaders to tackle drug abuse and promote lasting peace across Kano State.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly reduce drug-related crimes and contribute to a safer and more prosperous 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 civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious bodies and the business community.