Kano bans illicit drug sales, restricts movement in abuse hotspots

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Wednesday signed Executive Orders banning the sale, trafficking and abuse of illicit substances across the state, alongside new movement restrictions in identified drug abuse hotspots.

The governor also inaugurated a Multi-Agency Anti-Substance Abuse Task Force to enforce the directives, describing drug abuse as a major threat to public safety, security and social stability in Kano.

Speaking shortly after signing the executive orders at the Government House, Kano, Yusuf said the measures, which take immediate effect, prohibit the sale of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products without valid prescriptions.

He also announced movement restrictions between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. in communities identified as centres of drug abuse and criminal activities.

“The Executive Order on Public Safety Emergency on Substance Abuse takes immediate effect. It prohibits the sale of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products without valid prescriptions. It also imposes movement restrictions in identified hotspots to enable security agencies effectively tackle drug-related crimes,” the governor said.

Yusuf said security agencies had been empowered to stop, search, arrest and prosecute suspected offenders, adding that Certificates of Occupancy of properties used for illicit drug trafficking and related criminal activities would be revoked.

“The security agencies have been directed to enforce this order without fear or favour. Any property found to be used for the sale or trafficking of illicit drugs risks forfeiture through the revocation of its Certificate of Occupancy,” he added.

The governor said the executive orders were issued pursuant to the provisions of Section 97A of the Kano State Penal Code Law and Cap. 89 of 1991, which empower the state government to take measures to safeguard public safety.

He described drug abuse as one of the greatest challenges confronting Kano’s youth, warning that the menace fuels violent crime, destroys families, weakens the economy and undermines social stability.

According to him, the newly inaugurated task force will coordinate intelligence gathering, enforcement operations, public enlightenment campaigns, rehabilitation programmes and collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders.

Yusuf said the task force had also been mandated to identify, map and dismantle hideouts of criminal gangs, illicit drug dens and other enclaves associated with drug trafficking across the state.

“The task force is empowered to arrest, detain and prosecute leaders, members, sponsors and financiers of criminal gangs involved in illicit drug trafficking in accordance with the law,” he said.

He assured the task force of adequate funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation, logistics and security support to enable it discharge its responsibilities effectively while maintaining its operational independence.

Responding on behalf of the task force, its Chairman, Barrister Muhuyi Rimingado, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in its members.

“We fully understand the enormity of this responsibility and will discharge our mandate with integrity, professionalism and without compromise. We will work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and communities to combat drug abuse and restore lasting peace across Kano State,” Rimingado said.

The task force comprises representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as representatives of traditional institutions, religious bodies, civil society organisations and the business community.