The Chairman of the Kano State Joint Task Force on Drug Abuse, Illicit Drug Trafficking and Gang-Related Violence, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, has said drug abuse remains the leading driver of major crimes in Kano, revealing that more than 70 per cent of serious criminal arrests in the state are linked to substance abuse.
Speaking during a meeting with journalists, Rimin Gado said security statistics showed that 70.2 per cent of the over 3,080 major crime arrests recorded by the police in Kano last year were connected to illicit drug use and substance abuse.
He said addressing the root causes of drug abuse would significantly reduce criminal activities and improve public safety across the state.
Rimin Gado explained that the Kano State Government established the multi-agency task force as part of a broader strategy to tackle drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and gang-related violence.
He recalled that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf declared a statewide public health emergency on substance abuse on July 22 before inaugurating the committee with the mandate to combat illicit drug trafficking, rehabilitate victims of drug abuse and prosecute offenders.
According to him, the committee will adopt a community-based approach while strengthening collaboration with the media to raise public awareness and mobilise support for the anti-drug campaign.
The chairman added that the task force would intensify efforts to combat gang-related violence, popularly known as Daba, describing it as one of the consequences of widespread substance abuse.
He warned that individuals involved in violent crimes would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, stressing the state government’s commitment to enforcing relevant legal provisions against offenders.
Rimin Gado also urged parents to monitor and guide their children to prevent them from becoming involved in drug abuse and criminal activities, noting that protecting the future of young people requires collective responsibility.
He reiterated that the success of the campaign depends on the active participation of all stakeholders, including the media, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and members of the public.
He assured residents that the committee would continue to strengthen partnerships aimed at restoring peace, reducing drug-related crime and promoting a safer Kano State.
