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Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has signed an Executive Order prohibiting drug trafficking and substance abuse across the state, introducing stricter enforcement measures to tackle the growing menace.
Speaking after signing the Public Safety Emergency on Substance Abuse Order on Wednesday, Yusuf said the directive bans the sale of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products without valid prescriptions.
The governor also announced movement restrictions in identified drug abuse hotspots between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. daily, adding that the order takes immediate effect.
According to him, security personnel from federal and state agencies will be empowered to stop, search, arrest and prosecute suspected offenders, while Certificates of Occupancy for properties used for illicit drug sales and trafficking will be revoked.
Yusuf subsequently inaugurated an Anti-Substance Abuse Task Force Committee to implement the Executive Order.
He said the provisions of Section 97A of the Kano State Penal Code Law and Cap 89 of 1991 empowered him to declare the public safety emergency.
Describing drug abuse as a major threat to security and public peace, the governor expressed concern that increasing substance abuse among young people was fuelling violent crimes, destroying families, weakening the economy and undermining social stability.
He said the task force would identify, map and dismantle Daba Gang hideouts, illicit drug dens and criminal enclaves across the state.
The committee, he added, 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 providing the task force with adequate funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation, logistics and security support while guaranteeing its operational independence.
According to the governor, the committee will coordinate the state’s response to substance abuse through intelligence gathering, enforcement, public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programmes and collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado thanked the governor for the appointment and pledged to carry out the assignment with integrity and professionalism.
He said the task force 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 Kano State.
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 civil society groups, traditional institutions, religious bodies and the business community.
