Jelili Gbadamosi
Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, Chairman of the Kano State Joint Task Force on Drug Abuse, Illicit Drug Trafficking and Gang-Related Violence, has revealed that drug abuse is responsible for more than 70 per cent of major crimes recorded in Kano State, warning that tackling substance abuse is key to improving security.
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 made by the police in the state last year were linked to substance abuse and illicit drug use.
He said the figures underscore the urgent need for a coordinated response to drug abuse, noting that reducing substance abuse would significantly curb criminal activities and enhance public safety across Kano.
Rimin Gado explained that the state government established the multi-agency task force as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat 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 curb illicit drug trafficking, rehabilitate drug abuse victims and prosecute offenders.
According to him, the committee will adopt a community-based approach while working closely with media organisations to raise public awareness and mobilise support for the anti-drug campaign.
He added that the task force would intensify efforts to tackle gang-related violence, popularly known as Daba, describing it as one of the consequences of widespread substance abuse.
Rimin Gado warned that anyone involved in violent or drug-related crimes would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, stressing that the state government remains committed to enforcing relevant legal provisions.
He also urged parents to play a more active role in monitoring and guiding their children to prevent them from becoming involved in drug abuse and criminal activities.
The task force chairman emphasised that the success of the campaign depends on the collective efforts of the media, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and residents, assuring that the committee would continue to strengthen partnerships aimed at restoring peace, reducing drug-related crime and making Kano State safer.
