The chairman of the Kano State Inter-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, has warned politicians against pressuring him to release suspected thugs or drug offenders arrested by the committee.
Speaking during a meeting with media executives and journalists in Kano on Tuesday, Rimin-Gado said the task force would carry out its duties fairly and would not allow political influence to affect its operations.
He said, “No politician should approach me to release any thug if we arrest him. This is Kano, and we are all indigenes of the state. We will not allow a few people to destroy its future.”
He added, “The only person who can ask me to release anybody is the Governor. If he does so, it simply means he is indirectly asking me to resign.”
The task force was established by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after he declared drug abuse a public health emergency in Kano on July 22. It comprises representatives of various security agencies and is responsible for tackling drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and gang violence.
Rimin-Gado said the committee’s main focus is to arrest drug traffickers, reduce drug abuse, rehabilitate victims and prosecute offenders.
He said, “Our major target is the drug traffickers because they are the main enemies of society. We are also committed to creating mechanisms for rehabilitation and community engagement.”
According to him, police records show that about 70 per cent of major crimes reported in Kano in 2025 were linked to drug abuse.
“If not for drug abuse, thousands of crimes would not have occurred. That is why the government is deeply concerned and established this multi-agency task force to confront the menace,” he said.
The chairman also said the committee would dismantle violent gangs operating across the state. He noted that, under the governor’s executive order, membership of any outlawed group attracts a minimum prison sentence of five years after conviction.
He said the committee would work with security agencies, rely on intelligence and involve communities in tackling drug-related crimes.
Rimin-Gado urged parents to monitor their children’s activities and help keep them away from drugs and criminal activities.
He said, “We must not parent only in name. Parents have a responsibility to monitor their children and guide them towards becoming responsible leaders of tomorrow.”
He also called on the media, community leaders, parents and residents to support the campaign against drug abuse.
