We will rehabilitate, empower repentant drug addicts, Kano taskforce vows

The Chairman of the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Bar. Muhuyi Rimingado, has urged drug addicts and thugs in the state to renounce criminal activities, assuring them that the government is ready to rehabilitate, reintegrate and economically empower those who genuinely repent.

Mr Rimingado made the call on Sunday at a peace-building programme organised by the Dorayi Ciranci Youth Development Initiative in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Kano State Command, in Dorayi, Kano.

He said the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is committed to addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse and thuggery through a combination of law enforcement and rehabilitation programmes.

According to him, while criminal elements will continue to face the full weight of the law, those willing to abandon drug abuse and criminality will be given the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

“We are opening the door for repentance. Anyone who sincerely abandons drug abuse will be supported through rehabilitation and subsequently empowered to become self-reliant. Our objective is not only to enforce the law but also to restore hope and dignity to those willing to change,” he said.

The taskforce chairman, however, warned individuals and property owners involved in the storage, distribution or sale of illicit drugs that the government would revoke the Certificates of Occupancy of properties used for such illegal activities.

“The government will not hesitate to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy of any house or building found to be used for harbouring or storing illicit drugs in accordance with the relevant laws,” he said in a statement issued by the committee’s secretary, Ibrahim Garba.

Mr Rimingado also stressed that the taskforce would carry out its operations without fear or favour, insisting that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or social status, would be protected from prosecution.

“The era of political interference is over. We will not condone any attempt by politicians or influential persons to interfere with our operations or secure the release of suspects arrested in connection with drug-related offences. The law will take its full course against anyone found wanting,” he said.

He reaffirmed the taskforce’s commitment to implementing the mandate given to it by Governor Yusuf through intelligence-led operations, public enlightenment campaigns, rehabilitation programmes and strategic collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders.

The chairman also commended the organisers of the peace-building programme for promoting peace, youth development and community engagement, describing such initiatives as vital to tackling the root causes of drug abuse, violence and other social vices.

He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, civil society groups and residents to support the taskforce by providing credible intelligence and sustaining collaboration towards achieving a safer and drug-free Kano State.

Mr Rimingado was accompanied to the event by the Commandant of the Task Force and Officer Commanding, OC, Anti-Daba Unit of the Kano State Police Command, CSP Bashir Gwadabe.